Those Brothers from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and at Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he thinks about how his clan's life has changed since relocating to England from Dagestan in 2017.

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

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

The 21-year-old departed his home in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide superior career opportunities 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 joining one of the nation's colleges.

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

Ibragim is now a pro MMA fighter and is seen as one of the prime 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 senior squad.

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

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

Starting as Grapplers to Football Prodigies

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan has a mystical status among combat sports fans for generating a number of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The region has a rich tradition in grappling, excelling in the sambo discipline and creating a host of Olympic and world champions.

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

"As a a kid, my dad was constantly telling me and my younger brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to defend ourselves, your family, and your companions," states Ibragim.

"So we all became accustomed to fighting, and which is why people 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 benefited my younger brothers a great deal."

"Many of the footballers he comes up against lack the same base he has. That's why he's solid, powerful and incredibly driven – due to wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his actual age, trainers grouped him with boys significantly older.

He was not intimidated by the oversight and was more than 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 recruited, along with Ibragim's younger brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

The family's time in South Yorkshire was brief, though, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he moved over the Pennines as a result.

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

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

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 records to train with the senior side when he achieved this in April 2023.

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

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? Absolutely. They need to allow all the young players play now."

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the existing first-team players. I believe the young guys are hungrier than the current first-team players."

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

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

"He learned everything faster than everyone else. He's a good defender. He's going to be like a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Goal' to Fight at Old Trafford

Ibragim has now relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days honing his MMA abilities at Manchester Top Team.

In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev get ready for a late-year UFC title fight.

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

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

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

Recently working with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim says he is desperate to win a world title of his own someday.

But that does not prevent him from occasionally dreaming of playing for United and walking 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 with legendary players," he says.

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

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