BJJ vs. Sambo Debate Reignited as Video of Islam Makhachev Shunning Fan’s Shaka Sign Gesture Resurfaces

Islam Makhachev is gearing up for his second lightweight title defense at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. UFC president Dana White announced recently that he will take on Charles Oliveira in a rematch from their UFC 280 bout. However, he recently went viral on social media after a video clip resurfaced of him having a problem with a fan’s hand gesture.

Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s protégé visited Qatar a few months ago to inaugurate the UFC’s brand-new gym in Doha. The gym is situated on the Pearl Islands with a state-of-the-art infrastructure. Makhachev went there as a guest of honor when he expressed his displeasure with a fan after the event.

Islam Makhachev asked a fan to change his hand gesture

After the inauguration event was over, fans flocked in to take pictures with the reigning lightweight champion. However, as they posed for the picture, one fan put up a hand gesture that is famous among BJJ athletes. Makhachev has mentioned many times that he is not a big fan of BJJ, and prefers combat sambo. This is a sentiment his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, also shared.

Consequently, he asked the fan to change his hand gesture. The fan immediately turned to ‘The Eagle’s famous gesture of ‘pointing to the Gods or the heavens’. In the end, both of them shared a laugh and then took a picture as the fan desired. But what does that gesture mean? Let us take a look.

What does the fan’s hand gesture mean?

The hand gesture made by the fan is often referred to as ‘hang ten’. It is associated with the surfer culture in California. However, in Brazil, the gesture is connected to the jiu-jitsu. It is known as a ‘Shaka’ sign, which means ‘hang loose’. It became an international gesture or sign linked with the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.

In things like friendship and greeting, ‘Shaka’ is also considered a sign of positivity, accomplishment, and happiness. It also represents an individual’s relaxed position. It is also used as a greeting and to enjoy and celebrate victorious occasions.

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Islam Makhachev clearly indicated in this viral video clip that he does not like anything associated with jiu-jitsu. He believes that BJJ athletes only learn to go down and not control their opponents while on their feet. What do you think? Do you like jiu-jitsu? Drop your comments below.

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