Those Brothers from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he thinks about how his clan's life has evolved since relocating to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

"I adore it here," the Professional Fighters League athlete states.

"My father and I frequently say, 'this was the country I ought to have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old departed his home in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father believed a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles offered better 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 joining one of the country's colleges.

But, reality now looks somewhat distinct for the Ibragimov household.

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

His siblings have taken a different route in athletics and have each been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a spot in the senior squad.

"Our key thing for us is to extract everything from our sports," says Ibragim.

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

From Wrestlers to Football Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among fight fans for generating a host of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The region 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, however, as youth from the region are often pushed to begin combat sports, specifically wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

"When I was young, my dad was constantly telling me and my little brothers that we had to be powerful, first to protect ourselves, your family, and your friends," states Ibragim.

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

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

"Some of the players he faces don't have the identical base he possesses. That's why he's solid, 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 mistake and was more than comfortable holding his own against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

"They thought Amir and I were the identical age, so the story goes," says Ibragim.

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

The clan's stay in South Yorkshire was brief, however, as just 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 scouts watched him play and selected him straight away."

Half a dozen 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 records to train with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Know what he said to me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim reveals.

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They should let all the youthful players get game time right now."

"In my opinion they would play worse than the current first-team players. I think the young guys are more motivated than the current squad members."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the latter once part of the academy of Manchester City, have also transferred to Manchester United.

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

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

'The Dream' to Compete at Old Trafford

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

In August, he spent three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev prepare for a November 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 constantly used to idolize him when we were growing up."

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

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

But that does not stop him from occasionally dreaming 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 always 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 dream come true."

"A fight 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."