The Brothers from Dagestan Excelling in MMA and at Man Utd.

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

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

"My father and I frequently say, 'this is the nation I ought to have been born in.'"

The young man departed his home in the North Caucasus of Russia as his father believed a move covering more than 3,000 miles promised better career prospects for him and his brothers.

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

However, life has turned out somewhat different for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts fighter and is seen as one of the top prospects in the PFL, a major MMA league.

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

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

"I hope them to represent every one of the best teams in the world. Now it is Man United, in the future it might be a another team."

From Wrestlers to Football Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mythical reputation among combat sports enthusiasts for generating a slew of UFC champions in recent years.

The region has a long history in wrestling, thriving in the sambo discipline and producing a host of Olympic and world champions.

This success is not a coincidence, however, as children from the region are often encouraged to begin fighting, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

"As a a kid, my dad was always instructing me and my younger brothers that we had to be powerful, first to defend ourselves, your relatives, and your friends," states Ibragim.

"Therefore we all became accustomed to combat, and which is why people understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's unsurprising."

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

"Some of the footballers he faces lack the same foundation he has. That's why he's solid, strong and really competitive – because of wrestling."

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

He was not intimidated by the mistake and was perfectly capable holding his own against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

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

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

The family's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as just weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he moved across the Pennines as a result.

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

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

Half a dozen 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.

"Know what he told me? 'This is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

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

"I don't think they would play worse than the existing starters. I believe the youngsters are more motivated than the present squad members."

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

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

"He learned everything faster than the others. He's a solid defender. He's going to be similar to a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Dream' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

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

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

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

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

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

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

However that does not prevent him from sometimes dreaming of representing United and walking out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

"I owned 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 similar to 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 massive."