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

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he thinks about how his family's life has evolved since moving to England from Dagestan in 2017.

"I love it here," the Professional Fighters League star remarks.

"My father and I frequently comment, 'this is the nation I ought to have been born in.'"

The young man left his home in the Caucasus region of Russia as his father believed a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles offered better career opportunities for him and his siblings.

The initial idea 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 colleges.

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

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

His brothers have taken a separate path in sport and have each been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a position in the senior squad.

"The main goal for us is to squeeze the maximum from our sports," 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 could be a different team."

From Wrestlers to Football Talents

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mystical status among fight enthusiasts for generating a number of UFC champions in recent years.

The region has a long history in grappling, excelling in the sambo style and creating numerous Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is not a coincidence, however, as youth from the region are frequently pushed to begin combat sports, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

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

"Therefore we all got used to fighting, and that's why people knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can see the move from wrestling to football; obviously, it assisted my little brothers a lot."

"Many of the players he comes up against lack the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's solid, strong and really competitive – due to wrestling."

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

He was unfazed by the mistake and was perfectly capable competing against older players thanks to his experience in wrestling.

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

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

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

"They faced Manchester United in a competition and Amir netted a brilliant free-kick," recalls Ibragim.

"One of their talent spotters watched him play and selected him straight away."

Half a dozen years after joining 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 senior side when he did so in April 2023.

"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? Without a doubt. They need to allow all the young players play now."

"I don't think they would play worse than the current first-team players. I think the young guys are hungrier than the present squad members."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the latter 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 everyone else. He's a solid defender. He's going to be like a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Goal' to Fight at Old Trafford

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

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

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

"He was the best fighter in the world – and we constantly used to idolize him when we were young."

"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 desperate to claim a world title of his own someday.

But that does not stop him from occasionally fantasizing of playing for United and stepping out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

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

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

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