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

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he reflects on how his family's life has evolved since relocating to England from Dagestan in 2017.

"I love it here," the PFL star declares.

"We often comment, 'this was the nation I ought to have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old departed his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia as his father was convinced a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles offered better professional prospects for him and his brothers.

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

However, reality has turned out slightly different for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts fighter and is viewed as one of the top talents in the PFL, a leading MMA league.

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

"The primary thing for us is to extract the maximum from our sports," 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."

Starting as Grapplers to Football Talents

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mythical reputation among fight enthusiasts for generating a host of UFC champions in the past few years.

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

This achievement is not a coincidence, though, as youth from the region are often pushed to begin combat sports, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"As a young, my dad was always instructing me and my younger brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to defend yourself, your family, and your friends," states Ibragim.

"Therefore we all became accustomed to fighting, and that's 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 assisted my little brothers a great deal."

"Many of the players he faces lack the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's stocky, strong and really driven – 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 placed him with boys five years older.

He was not intimidated by the mistake and was perfectly comfortable competing against older players because of 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 little brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

The family's time in South Yorkshire was brief, though, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he moved across the Pennines as a result.

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

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

Six years after joining the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the youngest players in the club's records to practice with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

"Do you know what he said to me? 'This is where I should be'," Ibragim says.

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They need to allow all the youthful players play right now."

"In my opinion they would play worse than the current first-team players. I think the youngsters are hungrier than the present first-team players."

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

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

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

'The Goal' to Compete at Old Trafford

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

In August, he passed three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev get ready for a November UFC championship bout.

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

"He was the best 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 someday.

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 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 like a dream come true."

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