Those Siblings from Dagestan Excelling in MMA and with Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he considers how his family's life has evolved since relocating to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

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

"We frequently comment, 'this was the country I should have been born in.'"

The young man left his home in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide 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 joining one of the country's colleges.

But, life now looks somewhat distinct for the Ibragimov household.

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

His brothers have chosen a separate path in athletics and have each been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a spot in the senior squad.

"The main thing for us is to extract everything out of our sports," says Ibragim.

"I want them to represent all of the top teams in the world. Today it is Man United, in the future it might be a different team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Soccer Prodigies

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mythical reputation among fight fans for producing a host of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The region has a long history in grappling, thriving in the sambo discipline and creating a host of Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is no accident, though, as children from the region are often encouraged to take up combat sports, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"When I was a kid, my dad was constantly telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be strong, first to protect yourself, your relatives, and your friends," states Ibragim.

"Therefore we all became accustomed to combat, and that's why everyone understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's unsurprising."

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

"Many of the players he faces don't have the identical base he has. That's why he's solid, strong and really competitive – because of wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Unaware of his actual age, coaches placed him with boys significantly older.

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

"They believed Amir and I were the identical age, apparently," says Ibragim.

Amir was recruited, together with Ibragim's little brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

The clan's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as just weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he transferred over the Pennines consequently.

"They played Manchester United in a competition and Amir scored a brilliant free-kick," recalls Ibragim.

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

Half a dozen years after signing for the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir was 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 told me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They need to let all the young players get game time right now."

"I don't think they would play worse than the current first-team players. I think the young guys are more motivated than the current squad members."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the latter once on the books of Manchester City, have also transferred to Manchester United.

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

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

'A Dream' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

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

In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev prepare for a November UFC championship bout.

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

"He was the greatest fighter in the world – and we always used to idolize him when we were young."

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

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

But that does not stop him from occasionally fantasizing of playing for United and walking out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

"I had a PlayStation at home and I constantly used to play as Man United, scoring goals with legendary players," he recalls.

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

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