The Siblings from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in MMA and with Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he considers how his clan's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

"I love it here," the PFL competitor states.

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

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

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

However, life now looks somewhat different for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a professional mixed martial arts athlete and is regarded as one of the top prospects in the PFL, a major MMA organization.

His siblings have chosen a separate path in sport and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a spot in the first team.

"The primary thing for us is to squeeze the maximum out of our chosen fields," says Ibragim.

"I desire them to represent all of the top teams in the world. Now it is Man United, tomorrow it could be a another team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Football Talents

Located in the south of Russia, Dagestan has a mythical status among fight fans for generating a host of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The region has a rich history in wrestling, thriving in the sambo style and creating numerous Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is no accident, however, as youth from the region are often pushed to begin combat sports, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can walk.

"As a young, my dad was constantly telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be strong, firstly to defend ourselves, your family, and your companions," states Ibragim.

"So we all got used to combat, and that's why everyone 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 assisted my younger brothers a great deal."

"Many of the footballers he faces don't have the same foundation he has. That's why he's stocky, powerful and really competitive – because of wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Unaware of his actual age, trainers placed him with boys significantly older.

He was unfazed by the oversight and was perfectly capable holding his own against older players because of his experience in wrestling.

"They thought Amir and I were the same age, apparently," remarks Ibragim.

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

The clan's time in South Yorkshire was brief, however, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's talent and he moved over 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 selected him straight away."

Six years after joining the Manchester United 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.

"Do you know what he said to me? 'This is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They need to allow all the young players play right now."

"In my opinion they would play worse than the current first-team players. I think the young guys 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 also transferred to Manchester United.

"Gazik, this youngster is talented," continues 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."

'A Dream' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has also relocated to Manchester and dedicates most of his days honing his MMA abilities at Manchester Top Team.

In August, he spent three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev get ready for a late-year UFC championship bout.

"I never have thought I would be training under Khabib," Ibragim admits.

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

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

Fresh from working with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim says he is eager to claim a world title of his own one day.

However that does not prevent him from occasionally fantasizing of representing United and stepping out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

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

"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 do it. It would be enormous."