Those Siblings from Dagestan Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and at Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he reflects on how his family's life has transformed since relocating to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

"I love it here," the Professional Fighters League competitor remarks.

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

The young man left his home in the Caucasus region of Russia as his father was convinced a relocation spanning more than 3,000 miles offered better professional prospects for him and his siblings.

The original idea 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 universities.

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

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts athlete and is viewed as one of the leading talents in the PFL, a prominent MMA league.

His brothers have chosen a separate path in athletics and have each been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a spot in the senior squad.

"Our key goal for us is to extract the maximum out of our sports," explains Ibragim.

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

From Grapplers to Football Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical reputation among combat sports enthusiasts for producing a host of UFC champions in the past few years.

The region has a rich history in wrestling, excelling in the combat sambo style and creating numerous Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is not a coincidence, however, as children from the region are frequently encouraged to take up fighting, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

"As a a kid, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be strong, firstly to defend yourself, your relatives, and your companions," says Ibragim.

"Therefore we all got used to combat, and which is why people knows 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 helped my younger brothers a great deal."

"Some of the players he faces don't have the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's stocky, strong and incredibly driven – due to wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was being tested 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 because of his background in wrestling.

"They thought Amir and I were the same age, so the story goes," remarks Ibragim.

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he transferred over the Pennines consequently.

"They faced Manchester United in a competition and Amir scored a brilliant free-kick," recalls Ibragim.

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

Half a dozen years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the youngest 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 should be'," Ibragim reveals.

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? Absolutely. They need to allow all the young players get game time 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 younger once part of the academy of Manchester City, have also made the move to Manchester United.

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

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

'The Goal' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has also relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days honing his MMA abilities at a local gym.

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

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

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

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

Fresh from working with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim states he is eager to win a world title of his own someday.

But that does not stop him from occasionally dreaming of representing United and stepping out on the historic 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 says.

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

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