The Siblings from the Dagestani Region Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he reflects on 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 competitor remarks.

"My father and I often remark, 'this was the country I should have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old departed his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father was convinced a move covering more than 3,000 miles promised superior 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 complete their education before enrolling in one of the nation's universities.

But, reality now looks slightly distinct for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts fighter and is regarded as one of the prime prospects in the PFL, a major MMA organization.

His brothers have chosen a different route in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a spot in the first team.

"The main goal for us is to squeeze the maximum out of our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

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

From Grapplers to Football Talents

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

The region has a rich tradition in wrestling, thriving in the combat sambo discipline and producing numerous Olympic and world winners.

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

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

"So we all got used to combat, and that's why everyone knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a very good wrestler. You can see the transition from wrestling to football; clearly, it assisted my little brothers a great deal."

"Many of the players he comes up against lack the identical foundation he has. That's why he's stocky, strong and incredibly driven – due to wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his real age, coaches grouped him with boys significantly older.

He was not intimidated by the mistake and was perfectly comfortable holding his own against older players because of his experience in wrestling.

"They believed Amir and I were the same age, so the story goes," says Ibragim.

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

The family's stay in South Yorkshire was brief, however, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he moved over the Pennines as a result.

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

"One of their scouts watched him play and picked him straight away."

Six years after signing for the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the most youthful players in the club's records to practice with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.

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

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

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the existing starters. I believe the youngsters are hungrier than the present squad members."

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

"Gazik, this kid is talented," adds Ibragim.

"He learned everything quicker than the others. He's a solid defender. He's going to be like a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Goal' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

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

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

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

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

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

Recently training with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim states he is eager to claim a world title of his own someday.

However that does not stop him from sometimes dreaming of representing United and walking out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, similar to his brothers.

"I owned a PlayStation at home and I always used to play as Man United, scoring with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez," he says.

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

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