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

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

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

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

The 21-year-old left his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia as his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles offered better professional opportunities for him and his siblings.

The initial idea was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to finish their education before enrolling in one of the country's colleges.

But, reality now looks quite distinct for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts fighter and is viewed as one of the prime prospects in the PFL, a prominent MMA league.

His siblings have chosen a different route in sport and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a position in the first team.

"The primary thing for us is to squeeze everything from our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

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

Starting as Wrestlers to Football Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical reputation among combat sports enthusiasts for producing a host of UFC champions in recent years.

The area has a long history in grappling, excelling in the sambo discipline and creating a host of Olympic and world winners.

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

"When I was a kid, my dad was always telling me and my younger brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to protect ourselves, your family, and your companions," states Ibragim.

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

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

"Many of the footballers he comes up against lack the identical base he has. That's why he's solid, strong and really competitive – due to wrestling."

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

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

"They thought Amir and I were the identical age, apparently," remarks Ibragim.

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

The clan's time in South Yorkshire was brief, however, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he transferred across the Pennines consequently.

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

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

Six years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the youngest players in the club's history to practice with the first team when he did so in April 2023.

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

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

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the existing starters. I think the young guys are hungrier than the present squad members."

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

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

"He learned every skill faster than the others. He's a good defender. He's going to be like a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Goal' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has also moved to Manchester and dedicates most of his days perfecting his MMA abilities at a local gym.

In August, he passed three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev prepare for a November 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 constantly used to look up to him when we were growing up."

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

Recently 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 had a PlayStation at home and I always used to play as Man United, scoring goals 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 dream for me. I was discussing with the PFL officials about it to see if they could do it. It would be huge."