The Brothers from the Dagestani Region Excelling in MMA and with Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he thinks about how his clan's life has transformed since relocating to England from Dagestan in 2017.

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

"My father and I often remark, 'this is the nation I should have been born in.'"

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

The original 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 universities.

However, reality now looks slightly different for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a professional MMA fighter and is viewed as one of the leading prospects in the PFL, a prominent MMA league.

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

"The primary goal for us is to squeeze everything from our sports," says Ibragim.

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

From Wrestlers to Soccer Prodigies

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical status among fight fans for generating a number of UFC champions in recent years.

The area has a rich tradition in wrestling, thriving in the sambo style and creating a host of Olympic and world champions.

This success is not a coincidence, though, as youth from the region are frequently pushed to take up fighting, specifically wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

"When I was young, my dad was always instructing me and my younger brothers that we needed to be strong, first to defend yourself, your family, and your companions," states Ibragim.

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

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

"Many of the players he faces lack the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's stocky, powerful and really competitive – because of wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his real age, trainers grouped him with boys significantly older.

He was not intimidated by the oversight and was perfectly capable holding his own against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

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

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

The family's time 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 competition and Amir netted a spectacular free-kick," says Ibragim.

"One of their scouts saw him play and picked him straight away."

Six years after joining the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the most youthful players in the club's history to practice with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

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

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They should let all the youthful players play now."

"I don't think they would play worse than the current starters. I believe the youngsters are more motivated than the present squad members."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the latter once part of the academy of Manchester City, have likewise made the move to Manchester United.

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

"He picked up every skill quicker than everyone else. He's a good defender. He's going to be similar to a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Goal' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has now moved to Manchester and spends most of his days sharpening his MMA skills at a local gym.

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

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

"He was the greatest fighter in the world – and we always used to look up to him when we were young."

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

Recently working with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim states he is eager to claim a world title of his own someday.

However that does not prevent him from occasionally dreaming of representing United and walking out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

"I owned a PlayStation at home and I always 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 like a dream come true."

"An event at Old Trafford? It's a dream for me. I was speaking to the PFL guys about it to see if they could do it. It would be enormous."