Those Siblings from Dagestan Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and with Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he thinks about how his family's life has transformed since relocating to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

"I love it here," the PFL athlete remarks.

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

The 21-year-old left his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father believed a move covering more than 3,000 miles promised better professional opportunities for him and his siblings.

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

But, reality now looks somewhat distinct for the Ibragimov family.

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

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

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

"I hope them to represent all of the top teams in the world. Now it is Man United, tomorrow it could be a another team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Soccer Talents

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among fight fans for producing a slew of UFC champions in the past few years.

The region has a long history in grappling, excelling in the sambo discipline and producing numerous Olympic and world winners.

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

"When I was a kid, my dad was constantly instructing me and my little brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to protect yourself, your relatives, and your companions," says Ibragim.

"Therefore we all became accustomed to combat, and that's why everyone knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a very good wrestler. You can observe the move from wrestling to football; obviously, it benefited my little brothers a great deal."

"Many of the footballers he faces lack the identical foundation he possesses. That's why he's solid, powerful and incredibly competitive – because of wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his actual age, trainers placed him with boys significantly older.

He was not intimidated by the oversight and was more than comfortable competing against older players because of his experience in wrestling.

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

Amir was signed, along with Ibragim's little brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

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

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

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

Half a dozen years after signing for the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the most youthful players in the club's records to practice with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

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

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They should allow all the youthful players get game time right now."

"I don't think they would play worse than the existing starters. I believe the young guys are more motivated 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 learned every skill faster than the others. He's a good defender. He's going to be like a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Goal' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

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

In August, he passed three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev prepare for a November UFC title fight.

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

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

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

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

But that does not stop him from occasionally dreaming of representing United and walking 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 Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez," he recalls.

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

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