The Siblings from Dagestan Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and with Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he considers how his family's life has evolved since moving to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

"I am fond of it here," the Professional Fighters League competitor remarks.

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

The 21-year-old left his home in the North Caucasus of Russia as his father was convinced a move spanning more than 3,000 miles offered superior professional prospects for him and his brothers.

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

However, reality now looks quite different for the Ibragimov family.

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

His siblings have chosen a different route in sport and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a position in the senior squad.

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

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

Starting as Grapplers to Soccer Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mystical reputation among fight fans for producing a number of UFC champions in the past few years.

The region has a rich history in grappling, thriving in the sambo style and creating numerous Olympic and world champions.

This success is not a coincidence, though, as children from the region are frequently encouraged to take up fighting, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can walk.

"When I was a kid, my dad was always telling me and my younger brothers that we needed to be strong, first to protect ourselves, your family, and your friends," states Ibragim.

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

"Amir was a highly skilled wrestler. You can observe the move from wrestling to football; obviously, it helped my little brothers a lot."

"Many of the players he faces lack the same 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. Unaware of his real age, trainers grouped him with boys significantly older.

He was unfazed by the oversight and was more than capable holding his own against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

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

Amir was recruited, together 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 became aware of Amir's ability and he moved across the Pennines consequently.

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

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

Half a dozen years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the youngest players in the club's history to train with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

"Do you know what he said to me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim reveals.

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

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the current first-team players. I think the young guys are hungrier than the present first-team players."

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

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

"He learned every skill faster than the others. He's a good defender. He's going to be like a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Goal' to Fight at Old Trafford

Ibragim has now moved to Manchester and spends most of his days sharpening 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 never have thought I would be training under Khabib," Ibragim says.

"He was the greatest 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 titleholders from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim states he is desperate to win a world title of his own one day.

However that does not prevent him from occasionally fantasizing of playing for United and stepping out on the historic 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 legendary players," he says.

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

"A fight at Old Trafford? It's a ambition for me. I was speaking to the PFL guys about it to see if they could make it happen. It would be huge."