Those Siblings from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in MMA and at Manchester United.

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

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

"We frequently say, 'this is the country I should have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old left his home in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father believed a relocation spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide better career prospects for him and his siblings.

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

But, life has turned out somewhat different for the Ibragimov family.

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

His brothers have chosen a different path in sport and have all been signed by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a spot in the senior squad.

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

"I desire them to represent all of the top teams in the world. Today it is Man United, in the future it could be a another team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Football Talents

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among fight fans for generating a slew of UFC champions in the past few years.

The region has a rich tradition in wrestling, thriving in the combat sambo style and producing numerous Olympic and world winners.

This success is no accident, however, as youth from the region are frequently encouraged to take up fighting, specifically wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

"When I was young, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be strong, firstly to defend yourself, your family, and your friends," says Ibragim.

"So we all became accustomed to fighting, and that's why people understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's unsurprising."

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

"Many of the players he comes up against don't have the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's stocky, powerful and incredibly competitive – due to wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Unaware of his real age, coaches grouped him with boys five years 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 short-lived, however, as just 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 netted a brilliant free-kick," says Ibragim.

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

Half a dozen years after joining the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the most youthful players in the club's history to train with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.

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

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

"I don't think they would play worse than the current first-team players. I believe the young guys are hungrier than the present squad members."

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the latter once part of the academy of Manchester City, have likewise transferred to Manchester United.

"Gazik, this youngster is gifted," adds 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 Dream' to Compete at Old Trafford

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

In August, he spent three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev prepare for a late-year UFC championship bout.

"I never have imagined I would be training under Khabib," Ibragim says.

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

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

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

But that does not prevent him from sometimes dreaming of playing for United and walking out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, similar to his brothers.

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

"Now, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's similar to 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 would do it. It would be enormous."