Those Siblings from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in MMA and at Man Utd.

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

"I adore it here," the Professional Fighters League athlete states.

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

The 21-year-old left his home in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles promised superior professional opportunities for him and his siblings.

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

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

Ibragim is now a pro MMA fighter and is regarded as one of the top prospects in the PFL, a leading MMA league.

His siblings have chosen a separate route in athletics and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a position in the senior squad.

"The main thing for us is to extract everything out of our chosen fields," says Ibragim.

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

From Wrestlers to Football Talents

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among fight enthusiasts for producing a slew of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The region has a rich history in grappling, thriving in the combat sambo style and creating numerous Olympic and world champions.

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

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

"So we all became accustomed to combat, and that's why people understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a very good wrestler. You can observe the move from wrestling to football; clearly, it benefited my younger brothers a lot."

"Some of the players he faces don't have the same base he has. That's why he's solid, powerful and incredibly competitive – due to wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Unaware of his real age, trainers grouped him with boys five years older.

He was not intimidated by the mistake and was perfectly capable holding his own against older players because of his background in wrestling.

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

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

The clan's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as just weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's talent and he transferred across the Pennines as a result.

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

"One of their talent spotters watched him play and picked him immediately."

Half a dozen years after signing for the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the most youthful players in the club's records to practice with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

"Know what he told me? 'This is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

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

"In my opinion they would play worse than the existing starters. I believe the young guys are more motivated than the present squad members."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once on the books of Manchester City, have also transferred to Manchester United.

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

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

'A Goal' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

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

In August, he spent 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 thought I would be learning under Khabib," Ibragim admits.

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

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

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

But that does not prevent him from sometimes fantasizing of representing United and walking out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

"I owned a PlayStation at home and I constantly used to play as Man United, scoring with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez," he says.

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

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