The Siblings from Dagestan Making Their Mark in MMA and with Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he thinks about 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 always remark, 'this was the country I ought to have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old departed his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father believed a move covering more than 3,000 miles offered better career 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 country's colleges.

But, life has turned out slightly distinct for the Ibragimov household.

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

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

"The main goal for us is to squeeze everything from our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

"I hope them to play for all of the best teams in the world. Now it is Man United, tomorrow it might be a another team."

Starting as Grapplers to Football Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical status among fight enthusiasts for generating a host of UFC champions in the past few years.

The area has a rich history in grappling, excelling in the sambo style and creating a host of Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is no accident, though, as youth from the region are often pushed to begin fighting, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

"When I was a kid, my dad was constantly telling me and my younger brothers that we needed to be powerful, first to protect yourself, your family, and your friends," says Ibragim.

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

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can see the transition from wrestling to football; obviously, it helped my younger brothers a lot."

"Many of the players he faces don't have the same base he possesses. That's why he's solid, strong 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 placed him with boys five years older.

He was unfazed by the mistake and was perfectly comfortable competing against older players thanks to 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 stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as just weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he transferred across the Pennines as a result.

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

"One of their talent spotters saw him play and selected him immediately."

Half a dozen 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 history to train with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

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

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They should allow all the youthful players play now."

"In my opinion they would play worse than the existing starters. I believe the young guys are hungrier than the current squad members."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the latter once on the books of Manchester City, have likewise transferred to Manchester United.

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

"He picked up every skill faster than the others. He's a solid defender. He's going to be similar to a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Goal' to Fight at Old Trafford

Ibragim has also relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days honing his MMA abilities at a local gym.

In August, he spent three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev get ready for a November UFC title fight.

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

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

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

Recently working with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim says he is desperate to win a world title of his own one day.

But that does not stop him from sometimes dreaming of representing United and walking 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 with legendary players," he recalls.

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

"A fight at Old Trafford? It's a ambition for me. I was discussing with the PFL guys about it to see if they could make it happen. It would be massive."