Show and Prove

5⃣𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗢𝗨𝗧

Ibragim Ibragimov makes the walk to the SmartCage once again putting his undefeated record on the line against Kenny Mokhondana #RoadToDubai | Sat Jan 25 | Coca-Cola Arena | Dubai, UAE | 10:30AM ET | Streaming on @SportsonMax pic.twitter.com/8OjfEFEcP1

— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 20, 2025

There’s a new era set to begin in 2025 for the Professional Fighters League, with systematic changes to their event style and the opportunity for fighters to build their own brand. It was recently announced that PFL would be moving away from their season format, allow the use of elbows while still holding tournaments throughout the year and the merging of all talent under a single banner.

It all begins on Jan. 25 with PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai, which will see the return of Ibragim Ibragimov, a 20-year old undefeated phenom who has spent his last three fights with the league. Scheduled to face Kenny Mokhonoana in the organization’s first event of 2025, Ibragimov plans to use the year as a showcase for himself while continuing his undefeated excellence, and establish himself as a contender by year’s end.

Talking with Sherdog.com ahead of his fight against Kenny Mokhonoana, Ibragimov discussed the opportunity to be on another marquee card, what he’s most excited for in 2025 and the pace in which he continues to advance his promising career.

“It’s another massive year for me and another fight to start the year. I’m looking forward to it,” Ibragimov said when asked about being featured on the card and when discussing his plans for the calendar year.

After his fight at “Road to Dubai,” Ibragimov says he would like to compete at PFL Europe, gain experience, more wins and a championship.

“For me personally, this fight is to get a big win then obviously I want to join the [PFL] Europe, then join [PFL] Global, because that’s the goal: to get two belts.”

Putting a plan in place for himself to achieve goals over time to maintain a path and direction, Ibragimov recognizes that he is still extremely young in his career, and is in no rush to hurry through. Gaining experience, knowledge, and potentially multiple titles along the way, he feels it’s the right time to be patient in his approach.

“100% cause I’m still young. I’m only 20 years old … I want to become the PFL Europe champion, introduce myself to Europe, and then from there move to [an opportunity] at a world championship and introduce myself to the world, so they know my name; so they know who ‘The Mauler’ is.”

While there are changes coming to the PFL format, they will still have their International leagues, and Ibragim feels that being part of PFL Europe will be monumental for him, especially after the promotion has featured him on marquee events in the past.

“I appreciate the PFL and all that they have done for me. I’m a young guy and they put me on one of the biggest cards in PFL history. I can’t thank them enough. I don’t think anyone has had that opportunity at my age. I’m here with another massive opportunity, I’m here on another big card. I’m feeling confident. I’m deserving of everything with my passion and sacrifice, and that’s why I keep winning my fights. I stay in my own lane, I’m never out of camp, that’s probably why I’m still undefeated and getting the opportunities I am getting.”

A training partner to one of the greatest fighters of all-time, Khabib Nurmagomedov, combined with his early success and big opportunities, Ibragimov says he doesn’t take much time to have any self-reflection, crediting his faith for the things he’s received.

“Personally, it all comes from God. I’m relying on God, everything I’m doing, I’m relying on God. All the reasons to win fights, be someone that people look up to, and being someone like Khabib, whatever I achieve, it’s all from God. I keep working hard, I still train hard, I’m still hungry and I’m going to go the way of God.”

Looking to continue his run to the top, the road continues for Ibragimov on Jan. 25, and while paying respect to his opponent, he believes the fans will be in for a treat when he faces Mokhonoana.

“He’s a good fighter. Stylistically the guy who beat him is the same as me, but if [his opponent] could do that to him I’m going to go out there and prove once again that I’m better than those guys.”