Those Siblings from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in MMA and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he considers how his family's life has evolved since relocating to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

"I am fond of it here," the PFL competitor remarks.

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

The 21-year-old left his home in the Caucasus region of Russia as his father was convinced a move covering more than 3,000 miles would provide superior career opportunities for him and his siblings.

The original idea was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to finish school before enrolling in one of the country's universities.

However, reality has turned out somewhat distinct for the Ibragimov household.

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

His brothers have chosen a separate path in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a position in the first team.

"The main goal for us is to squeeze the maximum from our sports," explains Ibragim.

"I hope them to represent all of the finest teams in the world. Today it is Man United, tomorrow it might be a different team."

Starting as Grapplers to Football Talents

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among fight fans for generating a slew of UFC champions in the past few years.

The area has a long tradition in grappling, excelling in the combat sambo discipline and producing numerous Olympic and world champions.

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

"As a young, my dad was always instructing me and my younger brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to protect ourselves, your relatives, and your companions," says Ibragim.

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

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

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

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

He was unfazed by the oversight and was perfectly capable competing against older players because of his background in wrestling.

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

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he moved across the Pennines as a result.

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

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

Half a dozen years after signing for the Old Trafford 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 belong'," Ibragim reveals.

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They need to let all the youthful players play right now."

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the current starters. I think the young guys are more motivated than the present first-team players."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the latter once part of the academy of Manchester City, have likewise made the move to Manchester United.

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

"He learned everything faster than everyone else. He's a good defender. He's going to be similar to a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Dream' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has now moved to Manchester and dedicates most of his days honing his MMA abilities at a local gym.

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

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

"He was the greatest 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 training with Islam Makhachev."

Recently working 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 prevent him from sometimes fantasizing of playing for United and stepping out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, similar to his brothers.

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

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

"A fight 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."