The Siblings from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and at Man Utd.

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

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

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

The young man left his home in the Caucasus region of Russia as his father was convinced a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles offered better professional opportunities for him and his siblings.

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

However, life has turned out slightly distinct for the Ibragimov family.

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

His siblings have chosen a separate route in athletics and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a place in the senior squad.

"The primary goal for us is to squeeze the maximum from our chosen fields," says Ibragim.

"I hope them to represent all of the finest teams in the world. Now it is Man United, tomorrow it might be a different team."

From Wrestlers to Football Prodigies

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical status among combat sports fans for producing a number of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The region has a rich tradition in grappling, thriving in the combat sambo discipline and producing a host of Olympic and world winners.

This success is not a coincidence, though, as youth from the region are often encouraged to begin combat sports, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

"When I was a kid, my dad was always instructing me and my little brothers that we needed to be powerful, first to defend yourself, your relatives, and your friends," says Ibragim.

"So we all became accustomed to fighting, and which is why everyone understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's unsurprising."

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can observe the transition from wrestling to football; clearly, it assisted my younger brothers a great deal."

"Some of the players he faces lack the same foundation he has. That's why he's solid, powerful and really competitive – due to wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his real age, coaches grouped him with boys five years older.

He was not intimidated by the mistake and was perfectly capable holding his own against older players because of his experience in wrestling.

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

Amir was signed, together with Ibragim's younger brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

The clan'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 netted a spectacular free-kick," recalls Ibragim.

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

Six 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 history to practice with the senior side when he achieved this 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? Absolutely. They should let all the young players get game time right now."

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

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once on the books of Manchester City, have also transferred to Manchester United.

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

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

'A Goal' to Compete at Old Trafford

Ibragim has now relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days sharpening his MMA skills at a local gym.

In August, he passed three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping 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 always used to look up to him when we were young."

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

Recently training with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim says he is eager to claim a world title of his own one day.

However that does not prevent him from sometimes fantasizing of playing for United and stepping out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, similar to his brothers.

"I owned a PlayStation at home and I always used to play as Man United, scoring with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez," he recalls.

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

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