The Siblings from the Dagestani Region Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts 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 in 2017.

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

"My father and I always remark, 'this was the nation I should have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old left his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia as his father believed a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles would provide better career opportunities for him and his brothers.

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

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

Ibragim is now a pro MMA fighter and is seen as one of the leading prospects in the PFL, a leading MMA organization.

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

"The primary thing for us is to squeeze the maximum out of our chosen fields," says Ibragim.

"I want them to represent every one of the finest teams in the world. Today it is Man United, tomorrow it could be a different team."

From Wrestlers to Soccer Prodigies

Located in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical status among combat sports fans for generating a host of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The area has a long tradition in grappling, thriving in the combat sambo discipline and producing numerous Olympic and world champions.

This success is no accident, however, as children from the region are often encouraged to begin combat sports, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can walk.

"As a young, my dad was always telling me and my younger brothers that we needed to be strong, first to protect yourself, your relatives, and your companions," says Ibragim.

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

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

"Many of the footballers he faces don't have the identical foundation he has. That's why he's solid, strong and really competitive – due to wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Unaware of his actual age, coaches grouped 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 background in wrestling.

"They thought 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 family's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he transferred over the Pennines consequently.

"They faced Manchester United in a tournament and Amir scored a brilliant free-kick," says Ibragim.

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

Half a dozen years after joining the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir became 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 should be'," Ibragim reveals.

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? Absolutely. They should allow all the young players get game time right now."

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the current first-team players. I believe the youngsters are more motivated than the present first-team players."

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

"Gazik, this youngster is talented," adds Ibragim.

"He picked up every skill quicker than the others. He's a good defender. He's going to be similar to a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Dream' to Fight at Old Trafford

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

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

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

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

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

Recently working with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim states he is eager to claim a world title of his own someday.

But that does not prevent him from occasionally dreaming of representing United and stepping out on the hallowed 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 says.

"Now, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's similar to a fantasy realized."

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