Mali meets with MMA fighter Makhachev: "We have some important plans"

BELGRADE - Serbian First Deputy PM and Finance Minister Sinisa Mali met with MMA fighter and world champion Islam Makhachev in Belgrade on Wednesday.

Mali said they had "some important plans" and that he looked forward to meeting with Makhachev in Belgrade again.

"An interesting and cordial meeting with MMA fighter and world champion Islam Makhachev. We discussed the significance of sport, training, motivation, persistence and the commitment required for becoming a top-level athlete and a world champion," Mali posted on Instagram.

"I also had the pleasure of receiving from our guest his autographed trunks, for which I am especially grateful to him," Mali added.

Earlier in the day, Makhachev was also received by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

They discussed the significance of sport as the foundation of a healthy society and the role of top-level athletes in motivating young people to develop discipline, responsibility and perseverance.

Makhachev is in Belgrade to promote the upcoming Brave MMA spectacle, to be held at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall.