Ibragim Ibragimov reveals key advice Khabib Nurmagomedov gave him before latest PFL win
01/27/2025 06:55 AM
Ibragim Ibragimov has detailed what Khabib Nurmagomedov gave him backstage as he earned yet another early career victory.
The PFL starlet has had an impressive start to his professional run, and dominated all three rounds to take the unanimous decision against Dublin’s Kenny Mokhonoana on Saturday night. He is now 9-0 at just 20-years-old, and eyeing a move into the PFL European season.
His was the first of a clean sweep for Dagestani fighters against the Irish, with Usman Nurmagomedov defeating Paul Hughes in an explosive and controversial main event. But he was the only one without Khabib in the corner, although they did spent time together backstage.
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Ibragim Ibragimov dominates Kenny Mokhonoana to continue PFL win streak
While his grinding style may not be for casual fans, Ibragim Ibragimov still was on the lookout for style points as he went to war with Kenny Mokhonoana on Saturday night in Dubai. He controlled proceedings for three hard rounds before landing a big spinning kick at the end of the decision win.
“I knew he was going to be a sticky one to be honest,” he told Bloody Elbow in an exclusive chat after the fight. “He didn’t make weight but it was not an excuse for me, he was a bit taller than me and I knew it was going to be tricky.
“I didn’t want to get hurt, I was controlling the fight but I did my best and I wanted to show how good I am. I wanted to get a finish and have a good, nice fight but I decided to maul the guy and dominate which was the plan and I did everything well.”
Ibragim Ibragimov details Khabib Nurmagomedov’s advice for latest win
Ibragimov spent his camp at the famed Nurmagomedov gym in Dagestan. But he was separate from Khabib Nurmagomedov himself as he was in America preparing his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov for UFC 311 where he faced Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title.
As such, the legend wasn’t in his protege’s corner, although he did offer some sage advice before and after the contest. “I was with him in the changing room,” Ibragimov explained. “He didn’t say too much but he helped me to prepare.
“He said stay confident and to do my job, which is what I went out and did. But he’s going to give me some more advice after this interview so I need to just go back there and listen to what he has to say.”
Ibragim Ibragimov details plans for PFL Europe season
At just 20-years-old Ibragimov is not rushing himself into contention for big fights just yet, but is keen on the PFL Europe season. However, he would rather wait until after Ramadan to compete again, which might see him miss their first show in April.
“Hopefully my weight class is not going to be during Ramadan time,” he explained. “I really don’t want to fight during Ramadan, we’re not allowed. We are Muslim, we must follow the religion.
“And look, we’re not allowed to do bad stuff at all but especially not at this time. We have to show how good we are so we have to keep it good and halal”
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