The Siblings from the Dagestani Region Excelling in MMA and with Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he reflects on how his family's life has changed since relocating to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

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

"We frequently say, '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 believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide better professional prospects for him and his brothers.

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

But, life has turned out slightly different for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a professional MMA fighter and is regarded as one of the leading talents in the PFL, a leading MMA league.

His siblings have taken a different path in sport and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a spot in the senior squad.

"Our key thing for us is to extract the maximum out of our sports," says Ibragim.

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

Starting as Grapplers to Soccer Talents

Located in the south of Russia, Dagestan has a mythical reputation among fight enthusiasts for generating a number of UFC champions in recent years.

The region has a rich history in grappling, excelling in the sambo style and producing a host of Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is no accident, though, as youth from the region are often encouraged to begin fighting, particularly wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"When I was a kid, my dad was constantly instructing me and my little brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to protect ourselves, your relatives, and your companions," says Ibragim.

"Therefore we all became accustomed to fighting, and which is why people knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can observe the move from wrestling to football; obviously, it benefited my little brothers a lot."

"Some of the footballers he faces lack the identical foundation he has. That's why he's stocky, powerful and really driven – due to wrestling."

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

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

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

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

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

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

"One of their scouts watched him play and selected him straight away."

Half a dozen years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the most youthful players in the club's history to practice with the senior side when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Know what he told me? 'Here is where I should be'," Ibragim says.

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They need to allow all the young players play right now."

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the current starters. I think the youngsters are hungrier than the present squad members."

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once part of the academy of Manchester City, have likewise made the move to Manchester United.

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

"He learned every skill quicker than everyone else. He's a solid defender. He's going to be similar to a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Dream' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

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

In August, he passed three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev prepare for a November UFC title fight.

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

"He was the greatest fighter in the world – and we always used to idolize him when we were young."

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

Recently training with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim says he is eager to win a world title of his own one day.

But that does not prevent 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 constantly 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."

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