The Brothers from Dagestan Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and at Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he reflects on how his clan's life has changed since moving to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

"I am fond of it here," the Professional Fighters League competitor states.

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

The young man left his home in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father was convinced a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide 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 colleges.

However, life has turned out slightly distinct for the Ibragimov family.

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

His brothers have taken a separate route in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a spot in the first team.

"The primary goal for us is to squeeze the maximum out of our sports," says Ibragim.

"I want them to represent every one of the best teams in the world. Today it is Man United, tomorrow it could be a another team."

From Wrestlers to Football Prodigies

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan has a mystical reputation among combat sports enthusiasts for generating a number of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The area has a long tradition in grappling, excelling in the sambo discipline and creating numerous Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is no accident, though, as children from the region are frequently pushed to begin combat sports, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

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

"Therefore we all became accustomed to combat, and that's why people understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

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

"Some of the footballers he comes up against lack the same base he possesses. That's why he's solid, strong and incredibly driven – due to wrestling."

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

He was not intimidated by the oversight and was perfectly capable competing against older players thanks to his experience in wrestling.

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

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

The clan's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as just weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's talent and he moved over the Pennines consequently.

"They played Manchester United in a tournament and Amir netted a spectacular free-kick," recalls 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 practice with the first team when he did so in April 2023.

"Do you know what he told me? 'This is where I should be'," Ibragim reveals.

"Can he 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 worse than the existing starters. I believe 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 also transferred to Manchester United.

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

"He learned every skill faster than everyone else. He's a solid defender. He's going to be similar to a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Goal' to Compete at Old Trafford

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

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

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

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

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

Recently working with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim says he is desperate to win a world title of his own one day.

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

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

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

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