The Brothers from Dagestan Excelling in MMA and at Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he reflects on how his family's life has transformed since relocating to England from Dagestan in 2017.

"I adore it here," the PFL competitor states.

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

The 21-year-old left his home in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father believed a relocation spanning more than 3,000 miles offered better professional prospects for him and his siblings.

The initial 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 country's universities.

But, reality has turned out quite distinct for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts fighter and is regarded as one of the top prospects in the PFL, a major MMA organization.

His siblings have chosen a separate route in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a place in the first team.

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

"I want them to represent every one of the finest teams in the world. Today it is Man United, tomorrow it could be a different team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Soccer Prodigies

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical status among combat sports enthusiasts for generating a slew of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The area has a long history in wrestling, thriving in the combat sambo discipline and creating a host of Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is no accident, however, as children from the region are frequently pushed to take up fighting, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

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

"So we all got used to fighting, and that's why everyone understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can observe the transition from wrestling to football; obviously, it assisted my little brothers a great deal."

"Some of the footballers he comes up against lack the identical base he has. That's why he's solid, strong and incredibly competitive – because of 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 five years older.

He was unfazed by the oversight and was perfectly comfortable holding his own against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

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

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

The clan's time in South Yorkshire was brief, however, as just weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's talent and he moved across the Pennines consequently.

"They played Manchester United in a competition and Amir netted a brilliant 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 was one of the youngest players in the club's history to practice with the senior side 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? Without a doubt. They need to allow all the youthful players play now."

"I don't think they would play worse than the current starters. I believe the young guys are hungrier than the current first-team players."

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

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

"He picked up everything faster than the others. He's a solid defender. He's going to be like a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Dream' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has also moved to Manchester and dedicates most of his days sharpening his MMA skills at Manchester Top Team.

In August, he passed three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev get ready for a late-year UFC title fight.

"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 growing up."

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

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

However that does not prevent him from occasionally fantasizing 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 always used to play as Man United, scoring goals with legendary players," he recalls.

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

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