The Siblings from Dagestan Excelling in MMA and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he reflects on how his clan's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

"I adore it here," the PFL star remarks.

"We frequently comment, 'this was the country I ought to have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old left his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia as his father believed a relocation spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide better career opportunities for him and his brothers.

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

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

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

His siblings have chosen a separate path in sport and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a position in the senior squad.

"Our key goal for us is to extract everything out of our chosen fields," says Ibragim.

"I desire them to represent every one of the best teams in the world. Now it is Man United, in the future it could be a different team."

From Grapplers to Football Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical reputation among combat sports fans for producing a number of UFC champions in the past few years.

The region has a long tradition in wrestling, thriving in the combat sambo style and creating numerous Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is not a coincidence, however, as children from the region are often encouraged to begin fighting, specifically wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

"As a a kid, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to defend ourselves, your relatives, and your friends," says Ibragim.

"Therefore we all became accustomed to combat, and that's why people knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can observe the transition from wrestling to football; obviously, it helped my little brothers a great deal."

"Many of the players he comes up against lack the identical base 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. Not knowing of his real age, trainers placed him with boys significantly older.

He was unfazed by the oversight and was perfectly comfortable competing against older players because of his background in wrestling.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They need to let all the young players get game time now."

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the current first-team players. I believe the young guys are more motivated than the current squad members."

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger 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 everything quicker than everyone else. He's a good defender. He's going to be like a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Goal' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has now relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days honing his MMA abilities at a local gym.

In August, he passed three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev prepare for a November UFC championship bout.

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

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

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

Recently working with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim says he is desperate to win a world title of his own one day.

However that does not prevent him from sometimes dreaming of representing United and walking 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 with legendary players," he says.

"Today, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's like a fantasy realized."

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