Those Siblings from Dagestan Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and at Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he reflects on how his family's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

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

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

The 21-year-old departed his home in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles promised superior 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 complete their education before enrolling in one of the country's colleges.

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

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

His brothers have chosen a separate path in sport and have each been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a spot in the first team.

"The main goal for us is to squeeze the maximum out of our sports," says Ibragim.

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

Starting as Wrestlers to Soccer Talents

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical status among fight fans for producing a slew of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The area has a long history in wrestling, thriving in the combat sambo style and creating a host of Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is no accident, though, as children from the region are often pushed to begin fighting, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

"As a young, my dad was constantly instructing me and my younger brothers that we had to be powerful, firstly to protect ourselves, your relatives, and your friends," says 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 see the transition from wrestling to football; clearly, it benefited my little brothers a great deal."

"Many of the players he faces lack the identical base he has. That's why he's solid, powerful and really driven – due to wrestling."

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

He was unfazed by the mistake and was more than comfortable competing against older players because of his experience in wrestling.

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

Amir was recruited, 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 transferred across the Pennines consequently.

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

"One of their scouts watched him play and picked him immediately."

Six years after joining the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the youngest players in the club's history to train with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.

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

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They should allow all the young players play now."

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the current first-team players. I think the youngsters are hungrier than the current first-team players."

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

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

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

'A Goal' to Compete at Old Trafford

Ibragim has also relocated to Manchester and spends 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, assisting Islam Makhachev prepare for a November UFC title fight.

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

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

"Today, I'm here in his gym and training with Islam Makhachev."

Fresh from working with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim states he is desperate to claim a world title of his own someday.

However that does not stop him from occasionally fantasizing of representing United and walking out on the historic 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 says.

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

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