The superheavyweight Ibragimov in 2006 became the owner of a champion belt according to WBO and owned it till 2008 when conceded on points in unifying fight to the world champion of IBF Ukrainian Vladimir Klitschko. After that it made the decision to finish career.

"MMA is very interesting to people. When I acted on a ring, MMA only was untwisted, years five they achieved popularity activity on television, but now this sphere represents the solid industry — Ibragimov stated. — This look is pleasant to me, but when it on a ring, instead of in a cage. This option is perceived somehow not in a human way. And in general I am the boxer and even if my time would be today, instead of yesterday, I all the same would remain in boxing and also in it would finish".

Ibragimov became on Monday the torch carrier of relay of fire of the Sochi Games at stadium "Anzhi Arena" in Kaspiysk. According to him, MMA is for boxing by "strong contender". "But I think that our sport will be appreciated further" — Ibragimov to whom run with the Olympic torch reminded "feelings as though you come to a ring at a roaring hall" added. "Directly professional fight as if waits for me, as what was in Moscow against (Evander) of Holiefield. Or what were in the beginning of the career. Then it was very heavy... " — the athlete remembered.