The Brothers from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in MMA and at Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he reflects on how his clan's life has changed since moving to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

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

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

The young man departed his home in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father was convinced a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles promised better 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 enrolling in one of the country's colleges.

But, reality now looks somewhat distinct for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts fighter and is viewed as one of the leading talents in the PFL, a leading MMA organization.

His siblings have chosen a separate route in athletics and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a spot in the first team.

"The main goal for us is to extract everything out of our sports," 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 could be a another team."

From Grapplers to Football Prodigies

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

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

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

"As a a kid, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we had to be powerful, firstly to protect yourself, your family, and your friends," says Ibragim.

"Therefore we all got used to combat, and that's why everyone knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's unsurprising."

"Amir was a highly skilled wrestler. You can see the transition from wrestling to football; clearly, it helped my little brothers a great deal."

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

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

He was unfazed by the mistake and was perfectly comfortable holding his own against older players because of his experience in wrestling.

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

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

The family's stay in South Yorkshire was brief, however, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he transferred over the Pennines consequently.

"They played Manchester United in a competition 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 became one of the youngest players in the club's history to train with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

"Do you know what he said to me? 'This is where I should be'," Ibragim says.

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They should let all the young players get game time right now."

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the current first-team players. I believe the youngsters are more motivated than the present 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 talented," adds Ibragim.

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

'A Dream' to Compete at Old Trafford

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

In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland 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 best fighter in the world – and we constantly used to idolize him when we were young."

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

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

However that does not stop him from occasionally fantasizing of playing for United and stepping out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, similar to his brothers.

"I owned 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 like a dream come true."

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