Ibragim Ibragimov’s combat sports journey began with wrestling at six years old, going on to make his amateur MMA debut at just 14. Now, at 20, Ibragimov is already a solid 8-0 with a regional lightweight title to his name. Ibragimov is 2-0 in the PFL, scoring a first-round submission of Josh Reed in PFL Europe and scoring a decision over Nacho Campos at PFL Battle of the Giants.

 

Kenny Mokhononana, a rising prospect in the sport from Ireland, trains out of the legendary SBG Ireland gym under John Kavanagh. A boxer at a young age, Mokhononana joined his brother, Bellator and PFL veteran Frans Mlambo, in the MMA sphere. After an extensive amateur MMA career, Mokhononana is currently 5-1, suffering his first pro loss in his last fight, which came against Josh O’Connor at Bellator 299.

 

Who will come out on top in this battle?

 

 

Round 1

 

Sharp inside kick slips up Mokhononana. Head and arm throw by Ibragimov lands him in side control. Mokhononana looking for an inverted triangle around his arm. Ibragimov moves into top position. The two trade shots to the head. Ibragimov trying to work his way up the body, as Mokhononana scoots himself over to the fence.

 

Ibragimov looking to use the fence and pull him away, while Mokhononana looks to use it to get away. Mokhononana tries to wrap his arms around Ibragimov’s neck, but he cannot posture to sink in a guillotine. A few left hands to the head by Ibragimov, who then gets back into side control. He presses Mokhononana against the side barrier and lands small knees to the body. Mokhononana gets a knee up as Ibragimov appears to have an old-school half-nelson grip. Ibragimov with a mat return. Mokhononana gets up, but Ibragimov with a couple of shots to the head. Wheel kick from Ibragimov to close the round.

 

 

Round 2

 

Round kick by Ibragimov, but strong kick lands for Mokhononana. Ibragimov responds with a slam to bring the action back to the ground. Mokhononana looks to have an arm around the neck, but he can’t get the guillotine with his back to the fence. Ibragimov looking to step over Mokhononana’s guard. Ibragimov manages to transition his way to Mokhononana’s back, looking to push his back vertically. Ibragimov looks for a choke, but it’s too high for Mokhononana. He transitions back into a side mount, followed by a back mount.

 

Ibragimov goes back into a side position, landing knees to the body as he continues to wrap himself around Mokhononana. Left hand from Ibragimov. Knee to the body now as Mokhononana gets back to his feet. But another easy mat return, sitting Mokhononana up against the fence once more. Ibragimov continues to work up top. Mokhononana tries to get a lock of one of Ibragimov’s legs, but he can’t get it by the bell.

 

 

Round 3

 

The two exchanging quickly to start this round off, but it very quickly ends with Ibragimov getting yet another takedown. Elbow from the top by Ibragimov. Mokhononana sits up against the fence. Ibragimov getting through the guard, and Mokhononana has to twist to find space. Mokhononana tries to attack a leg but can’t get it. He tries to bring his guard up, but Ibragimov floats over the top and gets to Mokhononana’s back. Mokhononana gets back to his feet, but Ibragimov continues to press him against the fence and brings him back to the ground. Mokhononana throws his legs up for a triangle attempt, but he doesn’t have the space to extend the choke. Ibragimov goes back on top, this time in the North-South position.

 

Ibragimov gets a hold of the back again. Mokhononana back to the feet – and just as quickly back to the mat. And again. Mokhononana struggling to use any of his defenses against Ibragimov’s relentless pressure. Ibragimov with a highlight suplex in one more return to the mat for Mokhononana. As Mokhononana gets up yet again, Ibragimov lands knees to the thigh. Spinning wheel kick lands and drops Mokhononana! No finish in this one, but a statement made here tonight!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Ibragim Ibragimov def. Kenny Mokhononana via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)