Russian region: home of many MMA champions and their challenges

Russian region: home of many MMA champions and their challenges

The last victory of Ibragim Ibragimov via Kenny Mokhonoana has confirmed its unbeaten start in the professional MMA career and consolidates its status as one of the most exciting talents in sport. After the fight, the 20-year-old quickly praised the support he had received for his preparation.

support of MMA legends

bragimov Instagram , which shows his training team in Dubai, including two of the biggest MMA fighters in history: Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev.

It may not be a surprise that Ibragimov is so successful-he has a record of 9-0 in his up-and-coming career and has the best fighters in mind-if he has such legendary mentors at his side.

talent from Dagestan

bragimov belongs to the latest generation of mixed martial arts fighters from Dagestan, Russia, where Nurmagomedov and Makhachev act as role models for the new generation. Despite a population of just over three million, smaller than Los Angeles, the Region has made a name for itself when it comes to producing talented fighters who are known for their wrestling skills and their tireless attitude.

bragimov emphasizes that fighting is more for him and his compatriots than just a profession; It is a lifestyle. "The boys really want to be fighters in Dagestan. There are not many in Europe who really want to be a fighter," Ibragimov told CNN Sports .

struggle as a life path

For many people from Dagestan, fighting is more about more than just sporting. Michael Lyubimov, a renowned MMA coach who worked with many fighters from Dagestan, explained that these athletes already have an enormous experience as soon as they arrive in the USA. "Most of these boys have been fighting since they are about six years old," said Lyubimov.

he added that there is no other choice in her culture. "It is simply part of your identity. There are flower tubes everywhere - that is part of it." Many fighters from the region also show a deep religiosity that is a reason for their success. They reject alcohol and parties and instead concentrate on their craft.

tireless efforts and fighting spirit

The combination of these factors promotes a tireless fighting spirit for fighters from Dagestan. Lyubimov remembered an athlete who told him that "he will die there before something happens". Many fighters exhibit their bodies enormous exertion to sign contracts with large promotions.

An example is Ismail Israilov from neighboring Chechnya, which won a fight after a shoulder -deck injury in the first. Before his arrival in the United States, Israilov was involved in a truck accident, in which he almost lost his hand and had over 200 street fights at 24 years.

The way to success

lyubimov describes the path of the fighter as a journey that is characterized by personal challenges. "My whole life was so that I had a piece of bread in my backpack and drove to the wrestling exercise for an hour and a half. Sometimes I couldn't make it because it was so far away, so we just fought on the street," reports Israailov.

This rough childhood shapes the character and the unshakability of the fighters. "When Khabib comes into the room, all fighters get up, order and show respect," says Lyubimov. "Desrespect is not tolerated."

learning from role models

The formative environment of Dagestan offers a solid basis for building a career. Lyubimov explains that it is often about refining the skills of the fighters instead of teaching them new ones. "America is the Mecca to make a name for itself," he explains.

An outstanding example of adapting to the American system is Khabib Nurmagomedov, which came to the USA as a unknown fighter and developed into the greatest name in sports. His rise was the starting signal for Dagestani dominance in the western MMA scene.

Ibragimov, who trained with Nurmagomedov and Makhachev at the age of 20, describes the experience in their gym as formative for his own career. "If you train in Khabibs Gym, there are no limits," he says. "Sometimes he doesn't even hire a timer."

for Ibragimov, who has moved to Manchester, England as a child and has siblings, who are part of the Manchester United Academy, is a long way to go in his MMA career. With role models like Nurmagomedov and Makhachev at his side, however, he has the perfect support to find his way to the top.