The Brothers from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he reflects on how his family's life has evolved since moving to England from Dagestan in 2017.

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

"We frequently say, 'this is the nation I ought to have been born in.'"

The young man departed his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father was convinced a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide better professional opportunities for him and his siblings.

The original 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.

But, life now looks slightly distinct for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts athlete and is seen as one of the leading prospects in the PFL, a major MMA league.

His siblings have chosen a different path in athletics and have all been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a spot in the first team.

"The main goal for us is to squeeze everything out of our sports," explains Ibragim.

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

From Wrestlers to Football Talents

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

The area has a rich tradition in wrestling, thriving in the combat sambo discipline and creating numerous Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is no accident, however, as children from the region are frequently pushed to take up fighting, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"When I was young, my dad was constantly telling me and my younger brothers that we had to be powerful, first to protect ourselves, your family, and your friends," states Ibragim.

"So we all became accustomed to fighting, and which is why everyone knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's unsurprising."

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can observe the transition from wrestling to football; obviously, it benefited my younger brothers a great deal."

"Some of the players he faces lack the identical foundation he possesses. That's why he's stocky, powerful and incredibly competitive – due to wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Unaware of his real age, trainers grouped him with boys five years older.

He was not intimidated by the mistake and was perfectly comfortable competing against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

"They thought Amir and I were the identical age, so the story goes," remarks Ibragim.

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

The clan's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he transferred over the Pennines consequently.

"They played Manchester United in a competition and Amir scored a spectacular free-kick," says Ibragim.

"One of their scouts watched him play and selected him immediately."

Six years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the most youthful players in the club's records to practice with the first team when he did so in April 2023.

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

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? Absolutely. They should allow all the youthful players play now."

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the current first-team players. I believe the youngsters are hungrier than the present squad members."

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once on the books of Manchester City, have also made the move to Manchester United.

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

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

'The Dream' to Compete at Old Trafford

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

In August, he passed three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev prepare for a November UFC championship bout.

"I never have thought I would be learning under Khabib," Ibragim says.

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

"Now, I'm here in his gym and training with Islam Makhachev."

Recently working with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim states he is eager to win a world title of his own someday.

However that does not prevent him from occasionally dreaming of representing United and walking out on the historic 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 Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez," he recalls.

"Now, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's like a dream come true."

"An event at Old Trafford? It's a goal for me. I was speaking to the PFL officials about it to see if they could make it happen. It would be enormous."