Those Brothers from the Dagestani Region Excelling in MMA and with Man Utd.

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

"I adore it here," the Professional Fighters League star states.

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

The young man departed his home in the North Caucasus of Russia as his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide superior career prospects for him and his siblings.

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 nation's colleges.

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

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

His brothers have taken a different 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 everything from our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

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

Starting as Grapplers to Football Talents

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical status among fight enthusiasts for generating a number of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The region has a long tradition in grappling, thriving in the sambo style and producing a host of Olympic and world champions.

This success is not a coincidence, however, as children from the region are frequently pushed to take up fighting, particularly wrestling, almost as soon as they can walk.

"As a a kid, my dad was constantly instructing me and my younger brothers that we had to be strong, first to defend yourself, your relatives, and your friends," states Ibragim.

"Therefore we all became accustomed to fighting, and which is why people understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

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

"Some of the players he faces don't have the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's stocky, powerful and really driven – because of 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 unfazed by the mistake and was perfectly capable holding his own against older players because of his experience in wrestling.

"They thought Amir and I were the identical age, so the story goes," remarks Ibragim.

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was brief, however, as only weeks after signing for 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 scored a spectacular free-kick," says Ibragim.

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

Six years after signing for the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the youngest players in the club's history to practice with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.

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

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They should let all the youthful players play right now."

"I don't think they would play worse than the existing starters. I think the youngsters are more motivated than the current first-team players."

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

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

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

'A Goal' to Compete at Old Trafford

Ibragim has also moved to Manchester and dedicates most of his days sharpening his MMA abilities at a local gym.

In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev get ready for a late-year UFC title fight.

"I would 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 sparring alongside Islam Makhachev."

Fresh from training with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim states he is eager to claim a world title of his own someday.

But that does not prevent him from occasionally dreaming of playing for United and walking out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, similar to his brothers.

"I had a PlayStation at home and I constantly used to play as Man United, scoring goals with legendary players," he says.

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

"A fight at Old Trafford? It's a ambition for me. I was discussing with the PFL officials about it to see if they could do it. It would be enormous."