The Brothers from Dagestan Making Their Mark in MMA and at Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he considers how his clan's life has changed since relocating to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

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

"We frequently remark, 'this is the nation I should have been born in.'"

The young man left his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia as his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles promised better career prospects for him and his brothers.

The original idea 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 universities.

However, reality now looks slightly distinct for the Ibragimov family.

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

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

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

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

Starting as Grapplers to Football Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical status among fight fans for producing a slew of UFC champions in recent years.

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

This success is no accident, though, as youth from the region are frequently encouraged to take up fighting, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can walk.

"As a young, my dad was constantly telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be strong, first to defend yourself, your relatives, and your friends," states Ibragim.

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

"Amir was a very good wrestler. You can see the move from wrestling to football; clearly, it benefited my little brothers a lot."

"Many of the players he faces lack the same foundation he has. That's why he's stocky, strong and incredibly driven – due to wrestling."

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

He was unfazed by the mistake and was perfectly comfortable holding his own against older players thanks to his experience in wrestling.

"They believed Amir and I were the same age, so the story goes," remarks Ibragim.

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

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

"They faced Manchester United in a competition and Amir netted a spectacular free-kick," says Ibragim.

"One of their scouts saw him play and selected him immediately."

Six years after signing for the Manchester United 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 did so in April 2023.

"Do you 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? Absolutely. They need to let all the youthful players get game time now."

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the existing first-team players. I think the youngsters are hungrier than the present first-team players."

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

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

"He learned everything faster than everyone else. He's a solid defender. He's going to be similar to a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Goal' to Fight at Old Trafford

Ibragim has now relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days sharpening 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 get ready for a late-year UFC title fight.

"I never have thought I would be training under Khabib," Ibragim says.

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

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

Recently working with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim states he is desperate to win a world title of his own one day.

However that does not stop him from occasionally fantasizing of representing United and stepping out on the historic 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 ambition for me. I was discussing with the PFL officials about it to see if they would make it happen. It would be massive."