Those Siblings from Dagestan Excelling in MMA and at Manchester United.

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

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

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

The young man departed his home in the Caucasus region of Russia as his father was convinced a move covering more than 3,000 miles would provide better career 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 their education before joining one of the country's colleges.

But, reality now looks slightly different for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a professional mixed martial arts fighter and is seen as one of the leading talents in the PFL, a prominent MMA league.

His brothers have chosen a different route in athletics and have all been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a position in the first team.

"Our key goal for us is to squeeze everything out of our sports," says Ibragim.

"I hope them to represent all of the top teams in the world. Today it is Man United, tomorrow it could be a different team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Soccer Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mystical status among combat sports enthusiasts for producing a host of UFC champions in recent years.

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

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

"As a a kid, my dad was always instructing me and my little brothers that we had to be powerful, first to defend ourselves, your family, and your companions," says Ibragim.

"So we all got used to combat, and that's why everyone knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

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

"Some of the footballers he faces don't have the same base he has. That's why he's solid, strong and incredibly competitive – due to wrestling."

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

He was not intimidated by the oversight and was more than 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," says Ibragim.

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

The clan's time in South Yorkshire was brief, however, as just weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he moved over the Pennines consequently.

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

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

Six years after signing for the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the most youthful players in the club's records to practice with the first team when he did so in April 2023.

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

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

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the existing first-team players. I believe the youngsters are hungrier than the current squad members."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once on the books of Manchester City, have likewise made the move to Manchester United.

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

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

'The Dream' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

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

In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev prepare for a late-year 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."

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

Fresh from working with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim says he is desperate to win a world title of his own someday.

But that does not stop him from occasionally fantasizing of representing United and stepping out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

"I had 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.

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

"An event at Old Trafford? It's a goal for me. I was speaking to the PFL officials about it to see if they could do it. It would be enormous."