Ibragimov ‘fulmina’ Hooi in first round to reclaim WOW lightweight title at Madrid Arena
Umakhan Ibragimov defeated Brian Hooi by technical knockout in the first round at Madrid Arena on Saturday night, reclaiming the WOW lightweight championship belt in a rematch that lasted just 2 minutes and 52 seconds. The victory marks Ibragimov’s return to the top of the WOW lightweight division and sets up a potential double-championship challenge in the organization.
How Ibragimov reclaimed the title in a rematch
Ibragimov, known as “The Scorpion,” had lost the title to Hooi in December 2023 in a hard-fought battle that went the distance. But in their rematch at WOW 31, the Daguestani took control from the start.
Unlike their first fight, where both combatants traded heavily, this bout began with a measured pace. Hooi landed the first significant strike—a left hand that dropped Ibragimov early in the round. However, Ibragimov quickly recovered and countered with a right hand that sent Hooi to the canvas. What followed was a brutal ground-and-pound sequence that forced the referee to step in and stop the fight.
According to MMA Junkie, the fight lasted just 2 minutes and 52 seconds, with Ibragimov dominating the exchange once he found his rhythm. The victory restores him as the undisputed WOW lightweight champion and positions him as the first fighter in WOW history to hold two championship belts simultaneously.
Why this victory matters for Ibragimov and WOW
This win is Ibragimov’s second in his last three fights, demonstrating his ability to bounce back from setbacks—a trait that has defined his career. The rematch against Hooi was particularly significant because it marked the first time in WOW history that two champions would face off in the same card, with the lightweight champion Ibragimov facing the interim featherweight champion Zé Machado in a co-main event.
Machado, who had been serving as the interim featherweight champion, stepped in to face Ibragimov in a non-title bout ahead of their planned championship match. Machado dominated his bout against Muhammad Mokaev, winning by unanimous decision in a fight that lasted all three rounds.
Ibragimov’s victory also underscores WOW’s growing influence in the MMA landscape. The organization, founded by Ilia Topuria, has become a breeding ground for fighters aiming to make their mark in major promotions like the UFC. Ibragimov himself has expressed interest in returning to the UFC, though he remains committed to WOW for now.
“The public in Spain at WOW 31 was the best I’ve ever seen, both as an amateur and a professional. It’s incredible what this organization has built here.”
Other key moments from WOW 31
The card at Madrid Arena featured multiple standout performances beyond the main event:
- Muhammad Mokaev vs. Jorge Calvo: Mokaev, known as “The Punisher,” dominated Calvo in the co-main event, winning by technical knockout in just 30 seconds. Mokaev has been linked to a potential UFC return and praised WOW as a platform to showcase his skills.
- Antonio Fofirca’s first loss: Fofirca, a rising star from The Black Panther Gym, suffered his first professional defeat at the hands of Ioan Harris, who submitted him in the second round using his elite grappling skills.
- Jonatan García’s dominant win: García, nicknamed “La Bestia,” won a hard-fought decision over Roberto Ionescu in what was dubbed the “fight of the night.” The bout featured relentless exchanges, takedowns, and near-submission attempts before García secured the victory by split decision.
- Debut victories:
- Diego Esteche made his professional debut with a first-round TKO victory over Carlos Henrique Silva.
- Merche García, a multiple-world amateur champion, submitted Luvita Gutiérrez in her senior debut.
Amateur champions crowned at WOW 31
WOW 31 also featured a robust amateur card, with several fighters earning their first national titles:
| Winner | Opponent | Method | Belt Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adriano Camillo | Bruno Carvalho | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Spain Amateur Champion |
| Marc Cervera | Cristian Falcón | Unanimous decision | Spain Amateur Champion |
| Chems Eddine Fetairia | Pepe García | Unanimous decision | Spain Amateur Champion |
What happens next for Ibragimov and WOW
Ibragimov’s victory sets up a potential double-championship challenge in WOW. With the lightweight title secured, he is now positioned to face Zé Machado for the interim featherweight belt, which would make him the first fighter in WOW history to hold two championship belts simultaneously.
Hooi, who lost the title, will now look to regain his momentum. His next fight has not been announced, but he remains a fan favorite in the lightweight division.
WOW Promotion continues to expand its global reach, with events like this one in Madrid Arena drawing record crowds. The organization has also been linked to potential partnerships with major broadcasters to increase its visibility.
Next confirmed checkpoint: Ibragimov’s next fight is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with speculation already swirling around a potential double-championship bout against Zé Machado.
Key questions answered
Was this Ibragimov’s first title win?
No. Ibragimov previously won the WOW lightweight title in 2022 before losing it to Hooi in December 2023. This victory reclaims the belt for the second time.
What is WOW Promotion?
WOW Promotion is a global MMA organization founded by Ilia Topuria. It has gained recognition for its high-level fights and development of talent, with many fighters moving on to major promotions like the UFC.
How does WOW’s belt system work?
WOW operates with a unique belt system where interim champions can challenge for full titles. Ibragimov’s victory restores him as the undisputed lightweight champion, while Zé Machado remains the interim featherweight champion. A potential double-championship bout between the two is now on the horizon.
What do you think about Ibragimov’s dominance in the rematch? Will he pursue a double-championship run in WOW? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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