The Brothers from the Dagestani Region Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts 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 in 2017.

"I love it here," the Professional Fighters League star declares.

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

The young man left his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia as his father believed a relocation spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide better professional opportunities for him and his siblings.

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

But, reality now looks somewhat different for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a professional mixed martial arts fighter and is viewed as one of the leading prospects in the PFL, a prominent MMA organization.

His brothers have taken a different path in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a place in the first team.

"The main thing for us is to squeeze everything from our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

"I want them to play for all of the top teams in the world. Today it is Man United, in the future it could be a another team."

From Grapplers to Football Prodigies

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mythical status among combat sports fans for producing a host of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The region has a rich tradition in wrestling, thriving in the combat sambo discipline and creating a host of Olympic and world champions.

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

"As a a kid, my dad was always telling me and my younger brothers that we had to be powerful, first to defend yourself, your family, and your friends," states Ibragim.

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

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

"Some of the footballers he comes up against lack the identical base he has. That's why he's stocky, strong and incredibly driven – due to wrestling."

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

He was not intimidated by the oversight and was perfectly comfortable competing against older players thanks to his experience in wrestling.

"They thought 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 family's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he moved over the Pennines consequently.

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

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

Six years after signing for the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the youngest players in the club's records to train with the senior side when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Know what he said to me? 'Here is where I should be'," Ibragim says.

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They need to let all the young players get game time now."

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the current first-team players. I believe the youngsters are more motivated than the current squad members."

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

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

"He learned every skill quicker than everyone else. He's a good defender. He's going to be like a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Goal' to Fight at Old Trafford

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

In August, he spent three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev prepare for a late-year UFC championship bout.

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

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

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

Recently working with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim says he is eager to claim a world title of his own one day.

But 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 constantly used to play as Man United, scoring with legendary players," he recalls.

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

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