Following his historic championship win on November 16, mixed martial arts fighter Islam Makhachev received the state award of the Republic of Dagestan for athletic merit. The regional governor Sergei Melikov presented the medal, honoring Makhachev for becoming the first Russian athlete to hold titles in two UFC divisions and for achieving the longest winning streak in the organization's history. Melikov praised the champion's willpower and character. In response, Makhachev thanked the republican leadership for support of athletes and confirmed his intention to continue competing in the lightweight division.