Those Brothers from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and at Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he thinks about how his family's life has evolved since moving to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

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

"My father and I always remark, 'this is the nation I ought to have been born in.'"

The young man departed his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia as his father was convinced a move spanning more than 3,000 miles offered better career prospects for him and his brothers.

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

But, life has turned out quite distinct for the Ibragimov family.

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

His brothers have chosen a separate route in sport and have all been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a spot in the senior squad.

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

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

Starting as Wrestlers to Football Prodigies

Located in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among combat sports fans for producing a number of UFC champions in recent years.

The area has a rich tradition in wrestling, excelling in the combat sambo style and producing a host of Olympic and world champions.

This success is no accident, though, as children from the region are often encouraged to begin fighting, specifically wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

"When I was young, my dad was constantly telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be strong, firstly to defend ourselves, your relatives, and your friends," says Ibragim.

"Therefore we all got used to fighting, and that's why everyone understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

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

"Many of the players he faces lack the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's stocky, powerful and incredibly competitive – because of wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his real age, coaches placed him with boys five years older.

He was not intimidated by the mistake and was perfectly capable holding his own against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

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

Amir was recruited, together with Ibragim's little brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

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

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

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

Half a dozen 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 history to train with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Do you know what he said to me? 'Here is where I should be'," Ibragim reveals.

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

"I don't think they would play worse than the existing starters. I think the young guys are hungrier than the current first-team players."

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

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

"He learned everything faster than the others. He's a good defender. He's going to be similar to a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Dream' to Fight at Old Trafford

Ibragim has now moved to Manchester and dedicates most of his days sharpening his MMA abilities at Manchester Top Team.

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

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

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

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

Fresh from training with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim states he is desperate to claim a world title of his own one day.

However that does not stop him from sometimes fantasizing of playing for United and stepping out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

"I had a PlayStation at home and I constantly 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 similar to a fantasy realized."

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