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

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

"I love it here," the PFL athlete states.

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

The young man left his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia as his father was convinced a move 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 school before joining one of the country's colleges.

But, life has turned out slightly distinct for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a pro MMA fighter and is viewed as one of the top prospects in the PFL, a prominent MMA organization.

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

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

"I want them to play for every one of the finest teams in the world. Now it is Man United, in the future it might be a different team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Soccer Talents

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mystical reputation among combat sports fans for producing a host of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The area has a long tradition in grappling, thriving in the sambo discipline and creating numerous Olympic and world champions.

This success is no accident, however, as youth from the region are often encouraged to take up combat sports, specifically wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

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

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

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

"Many of the players he comes up against lack the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's solid, strong and really driven – because of wrestling."

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

He was not intimidated by the mistake and was perfectly capable 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, together with Ibragim's younger brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

The clan's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as just weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he moved over the Pennines consequently.

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

"One of their scouts saw him play and selected him immediately."

Half a dozen years after joining the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the most youthful players in the club's history to train with the senior side when he achieved this in April 2023.

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

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They need to let all the youthful players get game time now."

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the current starters. I think the youngsters are hungrier 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," continues Ibragim.

"He learned everything faster than the others. He's a solid defender. He's going to be similar to a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Dream' to Fight at Old Trafford

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

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

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

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

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

Fresh from training with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim says he is eager to win a world title of his own one day.

However that does not prevent him from occasionally fantasizing of representing United and walking out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, similar to his brothers.

"I had a PlayStation at home and I constantly 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 dream come true."

"A fight at Old Trafford? It's a goal for me. I was speaking to the PFL officials about it to see if they would do it. It would be enormous."