The Brothers from Dagestan Making Their Mark in MMA and with Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he considers how his family's life has evolved since relocating to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

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

"My father and I often say, 'this is the country I should have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old left his home in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father was convinced a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles would provide better professional opportunities 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 joining one of the nation's colleges.

However, reality has turned out somewhat distinct for the Ibragimov household.

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

His brothers have taken a different route in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a position in the senior squad.

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

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

From Grapplers to Football Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mythical status among combat sports fans for generating a slew of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The area has a rich history in wrestling, excelling in the combat sambo style and producing numerous Olympic and world champions.

This success is not a coincidence, however, as youth from the region are frequently encouraged to take up combat sports, specifically wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

"As a a kid, my dad was always telling me and my younger brothers that we had to be powerful, first to protect ourselves, your relatives, and your companions," says Ibragim.

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

"Amir was a highly skilled wrestler. You can observe the transition from wrestling to football; clearly, it helped my younger brothers a lot."

"Some of the footballers he faces don't have the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's solid, powerful and incredibly driven – due to wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his actual age, trainers placed him with boys five years older.

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

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

Amir was recruited, together with Ibragim's little brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

The family's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's talent and he moved over the Pennines consequently.

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

"One of their scouts watched him play and picked him immediately."

Six 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 did so in April 2023.

"Know what he told me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim reveals.

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

"I don't think they would play worse than the current starters. I believe the youngsters are more motivated than the current first-team players."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the latter once part of the academy of Manchester City, have likewise made the move to Manchester United.

"Gazik, this youngster is talented," 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 Compete at Old Trafford

Ibragim has also moved to Manchester and dedicates most of his days perfecting his MMA skills at Manchester Top Team.

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

"I never have thought I would be learning under Khabib," Ibragim says.

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

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

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

But that does not prevent him from occasionally fantasizing 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.

"Today, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's like a dream come true."

"An event at Old Trafford? It's a goal for me. I was speaking to the PFL officials about it to see if they could do it. It would be huge."