The Siblings from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in MMA and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he considers how his clan's life has evolved since moving to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

"I am fond of it here," the Professional Fighters League star states.

"My father and I frequently say, 'this was the nation I should have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old departed his home in the Caucasus region of Russia as his father was convinced a move covering more than 3,000 miles would provide better professional prospects for him and his siblings.

The initial plan was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to finish school before joining one of the nation's colleges.

But, reality has turned out slightly different for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts athlete and is regarded as one of the leading prospects in the PFL, a major MMA league.

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

"The main goal for us is to squeeze the maximum from our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

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

Starting as Wrestlers to Football Talents

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

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

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 stand.

"As a young, my dad was constantly instructing me and my younger brothers that we had to be strong, first to protect ourselves, your family, and your companions," states Ibragim.

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

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

"Some of the players he faces don't have the identical base he possesses. That's why he's solid, strong and really competitive – due to wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Unaware of his real age, trainers grouped him with boys five years older.

He was not intimidated by the oversight and was more than capable competing against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

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

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as just weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he transferred over the Pennines as a result.

"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 immediately."

Six years after signing for the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the youngest players in the club's history to train with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Do you 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? 100%. 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 youngsters are more motivated than the current squad members."

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 talented," adds Ibragim.

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

'A Dream' to Compete at Old Trafford

Ibragim has now moved to Manchester and dedicates most of his days perfecting 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 November UFC title fight.

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

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

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

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

But that does not stop him from sometimes fantasizing of representing 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 similar to a fantasy realized."

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