Sherdog Prospect Watch: Ibragim Ibragimov

Ibragim Ibragimov seems to have the physical tools, the mental knowhow, the inner drive and the supporting cast necessary to develop into a truly elite competitor in mixed martial arts.

The undefeated Russian prospect will make his hotly anticipated Professional Fighters League debut when he meets Josh Reed in a PFL Europe 2 featherweight showcase this Saturday at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England. Ibragimov carries some added incentive into the cage, as Reed put away his longtime friend and training partner Kurban Khizriev with a rear-naked choke at a Cage Warriors Fighting Championship event in September 2021.

“I’m going to go for the submission,” Ibragimov told Sherdog.com. “He beat my friend by submission. I have to do a submission to him, as well.”

Reed started his career with seven consecutive victories but has since settled in as something of a journeyman. He enters his latest assignment with losses on three of his past five bouts. Reed, 32, last fought under the Samurai Fighting Championship banner on Nov. 25, when he disposed of Corrin Eaton with a guillotine choke in just 79 seconds. Because of the Welshman’s previous interaction with Khizriev, Ibragimov feels as though he had a head start on preparation.

“I’ve seen him fight because he fought one of my friends,” he said. “He actually beat my friend, so I’m beating him. I was watching his fights before. Because he was supposed to fight my friend, I started watching his fights, learning what he does to tell my friend what he does right or what he does wrong. From that time, I knew him, and then, obviously, he beat my friend. I’m here to back my friend up. This fight is going to be personal for me.”

The 20-year-old Ibragimov split his training between Manchester Top Team in England and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s outfit in Makhachkala, Russia.

“To be honest, I’m having my best camp,” he said. “I’m in the best shape right now. I’m training with the best. I’m training in Khabib’s gym morning, evening, morning, evening, non-stop. I’m training hard. I think I’ll be more than ready for this fight because I have the opportunity to fight for the PFL. I’m going to show how good I am, and then, it’s my time to shine.”

Ibragimov has finished five of his first six opponents as a pro. He last competed on Sept. 9, when he took care of Joaquim Polonia with a head kick and follow-up punches to capture the Caged Steel MMA lightweight championship. Ibragimov believes his skills translate well to the highest level and sees himself someday wearing gold in the PFL.

“Yeah, 100%,” he said. “That’s 100% the plan.”