The Siblings from the Dagestani Region Excelling in MMA and at Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he reflects on how his family's life has transformed since relocating to England from Dagestan in 2017.

"I adore it here," the Professional Fighters League athlete remarks.

"My father and I frequently say, 'this was the nation I ought to have been born in.'"

The young man departed his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father was convinced a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles offered superior professional prospects for him and his brothers.

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

However, reality has turned out somewhat different for the Ibragimov household.

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

His siblings have taken a separate route in sport and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a position in the first team.

"The main goal for us is to squeeze everything from our sports," says Ibragim.

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

Starting as Wrestlers to Soccer Talents

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical reputation among combat sports enthusiasts for generating a number of UFC champions in recent years.

The region has a rich tradition in grappling, excelling in the combat sambo style and producing a host of Olympic and world winners.

This success is no accident, though, as youth from the region are often encouraged to begin combat sports, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

"As a a kid, my dad was constantly instructing me and my little brothers that we needed to be powerful, firstly to protect yourself, your relatives, and your companions," states Ibragim.

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

"Amir was a highly skilled wrestler. You can see the move from wrestling to football; clearly, it assisted my younger brothers a great deal."

"Many of the footballers he comes up against lack the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's solid, strong and incredibly competitive – because of wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Unaware of his real age, coaches placed him with boys five years older.

He was not intimidated by the oversight and was more than capable competing against older players because of his background in wrestling.

"They thought Amir and I were the identical age, apparently," remarks Ibragim.

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he transferred over the Pennines consequently.

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

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

Half a dozen years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the most youthful players in the club's records to practice with the first team when he did so in April 2023.

"Do you know what he said to me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They should allow all the young players play right now."

"In my opinion they would play worse than the current starters. I think the youngsters are hungrier than the current squad members."

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once on the books of Manchester City, have likewise transferred to Manchester United.

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

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

'The Goal' to Compete at Old Trafford

Ibragim has also relocated to Manchester and dedicates 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, assisting Islam Makhachev get ready for a November UFC championship bout.

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

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

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

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

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

"I owned a PlayStation at home and I always used to play as Man United, scoring goals with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez," he recalls.

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

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