MMA champions from Russia: Why this region produces so many talents

MMA champions from Russia: Why this region produces so many talents

cnn-Ibragim Ibragimov has consolidated his unbeaten balance in professional MMA sports with his recent victory over Kenny Mokhonoana and is considered one of the most promising talents in the industry. After the fight, the 20-year-old took the opportunity to thank all those who supported him in preparation.

strong support from the MMA community

bragimov Instagram from his coaching team in Dubai, which includes two of the best MMA fighters, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. It may not be surprising that Ibragimov, who has an impressive record of 9-0 and has the goal of climbing to the top, is supported by such legendary personalities.

The Dagestani combat culture

As part of a new generation of fighters from Dagestan, Russia, Ibragimov is part of the remarkable development, which is evident from this small region with just over three million inhabitants. Dagestan has made a name for itself when it comes to producing first-class combat talents who are known for their wrestling skills and their tireless fighting spirit. For many of the fighters from Dagestan, martial arts are not just a profession, but a lifestyle.

The way to the fighter

bragimov said: "In Dagestan, many boys want to be real fighters. There are not many in Europe who really want that." Many, he continues, only try to give the appearance of a fighter, but do not seriously drive it forward. "There are many in Dagestan who really want to be a fighter. I don't speak for all European fighters, but I would say that about 30% to 50% don't really want to be there."

background of the fighter training

martial arts have a deeper meaning in the life of many dagestanis. The well-known MMA coach Michael Lyubimov, who trained many Dagestani fighters, explains that many fighters already have extensive experience when they arrived in the USA. "Many of these boys have been fighting about six years old," explains Lyubimov.

"If you get into the big leagues here, you often have over 200 fights behind. There is simply no other option. It is your culture, it is anchored in them." Many Dagestani fighters put everything on one card to stay with large promotions and often wait to sign contracts before they take up the necessary treatments for injuries.

resilience through hard experiences

An example of this is Ismail Israilov from neighboring Chechnya, which recently won a fight after a shoulder injury in the first round. "My whole life was such that I had a piece of bread in my backpack and had to drive an hour and a half to the wrestling exercise," says Israailov. "If we didn't make it home in time, we just fought on the street."

The role of discipline and respect

The training environment in Dagestan differs greatly from the commercial gym in the USA. "In Dagestan, the Gyms are financed or relaxed. Many aspects are free until they really train at a professional level," says Lyubimov. This culture of discipline and respect for the teachers decisively shapes the fighters and promotes their development.

inspiring role models

The hard education is the foundation for the character and strength that many Dagestani fighters characterize. "When I work with Dagestani, it is often about refining your skills and helping them to adapt to the American system," explains Lyubimov.

A shining example is Khabib Nurmagomedov, which, when he arrived in the USA, was hardly known, but quickly established itself as one of the biggest names in sport. His success paved the way for Dagestanis to gain a foothold in the western MMA scene.

The future of Ibragimov

After his last fight in January, Ibragimov trained with Nurmagomedov and Makhachev in Dubai. This experience was formative for his developing career. "Training with Khabib is limitless. Sometimes he doesn't even hire a timer and we just train through," explains Ibragimov.

With role models such as Nurmagomedov and Makhachev at his side, Ibragimov has the best prerequisites to go successfully in MMA sports. He has a long journey in front of him, but with the support of the Dagestani fighters he is on the best way to get to the top.