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

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he considers how his family's life has changed since moving to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

"I love it here," the PFL athlete remarks.

"We always say, 'this was the nation I ought to have been born in.'"

The young man left his home in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father was convinced a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles would provide superior career opportunities for him and his brothers.

The initial plan was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to complete school before enrolling in one of the country'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 top talents in the PFL, a prominent MMA organization.

His siblings have chosen a separate route in athletics and have each been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a position in the first team.

"The main thing for us is to squeeze everything from our sports," says Ibragim.

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

From Grapplers to Soccer Talents

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among combat sports fans for producing a host of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The area has a rich history in grappling, excelling in the combat sambo discipline and producing numerous Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is no accident, though, as children from the region are often pushed to take up combat sports, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"As a young, my dad was constantly instructing me and my younger brothers that we needed to be powerful, first to defend yourself, your family, and your companions," states Ibragim.

"Therefore we all became accustomed to fighting, and which is 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; obviously, it benefited my little brothers a great deal."

"Some of the players he faces don't have the same foundation he has. That's why he's solid, strong and really 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 unfazed by the mistake and was perfectly comfortable competing against older players because of his experience in wrestling.

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

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he moved across the Pennines consequently.

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

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

Six years after signing for 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 first team when he did so in April 2023.

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

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

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the current starters. I believe the young guys are more motivated than the present first-team players."

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once on the books of Manchester City, have also made the move to Manchester United.

"Gazik, this kid is gifted," continues Ibragim.

"He picked up everything quicker than the others. He's a good defender. He's going to be like a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Dream' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has also moved to Manchester and spends most of his days honing 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 prepare for a late-year UFC championship bout.

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

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

"Today, 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 eager to claim a world title of his own someday.

But that does not prevent him from sometimes fantasizing 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 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 dream come true."

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