Those Siblings from Dagestan Making Their Mark in MMA and at Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he considers how his clan's life has changed since relocating to England from Dagestan in 2017.

"I am fond of it here," the Professional Fighters League athlete declares.

"We often remark, 'this is the country I should have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old departed his home in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide better professional opportunities for him and his brothers.

The initial idea was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to complete their education before joining one of the nation's universities.

But, reality has turned out slightly different for the Ibragimov household.

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

His siblings have chosen a separate path in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a position in the senior squad.

"The main thing for us is to squeeze everything out of our sports," explains Ibragim.

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

From Grapplers to Soccer Prodigies

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mythical status among fight fans for generating a number of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The region has a long tradition in grappling, excelling in the sambo discipline and creating a host of Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is not a coincidence, however, as youth from the region are often pushed to take up combat sports, particularly wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"When I was a kid, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be strong, first to defend ourselves, your relatives, and your friends," states Ibragim.

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

"Amir was a highly skilled wrestler. You can see the move from wrestling to football; clearly, it assisted my little brothers a great deal."

"Many of the footballers he faces don't have the same base he possesses. That's why he's stocky, powerful and incredibly driven – because of wrestling."

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

He was unfazed by the oversight and was more than capable holding his own against older players because of his background in wrestling.

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

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

The family's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as just weeks after signing for 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 brilliant free-kick," says Ibragim.

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

Six years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the most youthful players in the club's history to practice with the senior side when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Do you know what he told me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? Absolutely. They should allow all the young players play now."

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

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once part of the academy of Manchester City, have also transferred to Manchester United.

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

"He learned everything quicker than everyone else. He's a solid defender. He's going to be like a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Goal' to Fight at Old Trafford

Ibragim has now moved to Manchester and spends most of his days sharpening his MMA abilities at Manchester Top Team.

In August, he passed three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev prepare for a late-year UFC championship bout.

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

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

"Now, I'm here in his gym and training with Islam Makhachev."

Fresh from training with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim states he is desperate to claim a world title of his own someday.

But that does not stop him from sometimes fantasizing 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 constantly used to play as Man United, scoring with legendary players," he recalls.

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

"An event at Old Trafford? It's a goal for me. I was discussing with the PFL officials about it to see if they could do it. It would be massive."