The Siblings from the Dagestani Region Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and at Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he thinks about how his family's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

"I love it here," the Professional Fighters League competitor remarks.

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

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

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

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

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts fighter and is seen as one of the top prospects in the PFL, a major MMA organization.

His brothers have chosen a separate path in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a spot in the first team.

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

"I desire them to play for every one of the best teams in the world. Now it is Man United, tomorrow it might be a different team."

Starting as Grapplers to Soccer Talents

Located in the south of Russia, Dagestan has a mystical reputation among fight enthusiasts for producing a slew of UFC champions in recent years.

The area has a rich history in grappling, thriving in the sambo discipline and creating a host of Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is not a coincidence, however, as children from the region are often pushed to begin fighting, particularly wrestling, almost as soon as they can walk.

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

"So we all became accustomed to fighting, 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; clearly, it assisted my younger brothers a lot."

"Many of the players he faces don't have the identical base he possesses. That's why he's stocky, strong and incredibly competitive – due to wrestling."

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

He was unfazed by the mistake and was perfectly comfortable holding his own 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 recruited, together with Ibragim's younger brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

The family's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's talent and he moved over the Pennines consequently.

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

"One of their scouts watched him play and selected 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 practice with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Do you know what he told me? 'This is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

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

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the current starters. I think the young guys are hungrier than the present squad members."

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

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

"He picked up every skill quicker than the others. He's a good defender. He's going to be similar to a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Goal' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has also moved to Manchester and dedicates most of his days honing his MMA abilities at Manchester Top Team.

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

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

"He was the best fighter in the world – and we always used to idolize 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 no surprise Ibragim says he is eager to win a world title of his own one day.

However that does not prevent him from sometimes dreaming of playing for United and walking out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

"I owned a PlayStation at home and I constantly 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 similar to a fantasy realized."

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