The Siblings from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and at Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he thinks about how his family's life has evolved since moving to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

"I am fond of it here," the Professional Fighters League athlete remarks.

"My father and I often comment, 'this is the nation I ought to have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old left his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father was convinced a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles would provide better professional prospects for him and his siblings.

The initial plan was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to finish their education before enrolling in one of the nation's universities.

However, reality has turned out quite different for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts athlete and is seen as one of the prime talents in the PFL, a prominent MMA league.

His brothers have chosen a different route in sport and have all been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a place in the senior squad.

"The primary goal for us is to extract everything out of our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

"I hope them to play for every one of the best teams in the world. Today it is Man United, tomorrow it might be a different team."

Starting as Grapplers to Soccer Talents

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical status among fight fans for generating a slew of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The region has a rich history in grappling, thriving in the sambo discipline and producing numerous Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is not a coincidence, though, as children from the region are frequently pushed to take up fighting, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"When I was a kid, my dad was constantly instructing me and my little brothers that we had to be powerful, first to defend ourselves, your family, and your companions," says Ibragim.

"So we all became accustomed to fighting, and which is why people understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a highly skilled wrestler. You can see the move from wrestling to football; obviously, it benefited my younger brothers a great deal."

"Some of the footballers he faces lack the identical base he has. That's why he's solid, strong and incredibly competitive – because of wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his actual age, coaches placed him with boys significantly older.

He was not intimidated by the mistake and was more than capable competing against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

"They believed Amir and I were the identical age, apparently," remarks Ibragim.

Amir was recruited, together with Ibragim's younger brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

The clan's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's talent and he transferred across the Pennines consequently.

"They played Manchester United in a competition and Amir netted a brilliant free-kick," recalls Ibragim.

"One of their scouts saw him play and picked him immediately."

Half a dozen years after joining the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the youngest players in the club's history to practice with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Know what he said to me? 'This is where I should be'," Ibragim reveals.

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They need to allow all the youthful players get game time right now."

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the current first-team players. I believe the youngsters are more motivated than the current first-team players."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once part of the academy of Manchester City, have likewise transferred to Manchester United.

"Gazik, this youngster is gifted," adds Ibragim.

"He picked up every skill faster than everyone else. He's a solid defender. He's going to be similar to a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Dream' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has now moved to Manchester and dedicates most of his days sharpening his MMA abilities at Manchester Top Team.

In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev get ready for a late-year UFC title fight.

"I never have imagined I would be training under Khabib," Ibragim says.

"He was the best fighter in the world – and we always used to idolize him when we were growing up."

"Today, I'm here in his gym and sparring alongside Islam Makhachev."

Recently training with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim says he is eager to win a world title of his own someday.

However that does not prevent him from sometimes fantasizing of representing United and stepping out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, similar to his brothers.

"I had a PlayStation at home and I constantly used to play as Man United, scoring goals with legendary players," he says.

"Today, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's like a fantasy realized."

"An event at Old Trafford? It's a dream for me. I was discussing with the PFL officials about it to see if they would make it happen. It would be massive."