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

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

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

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

The young man departed his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father believed a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles promised superior career opportunities for him and his brothers.

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

But, reality has turned out slightly distinct for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a pro MMA athlete and is viewed as one of the top prospects in the PFL, a leading MMA league.

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

"The primary thing for us is to extract everything out of our sports," says Ibragim.

"I hope them to play for every one of the best teams in the world. Today it is Man United, tomorrow it might be a different team."

From Grapplers to Soccer Prodigies

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical status among fight fans for producing a number of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The area has a long history in wrestling, excelling in the sambo style and producing a host of Olympic and world champions.

This success is no accident, however, as children from the region are frequently encouraged to take up combat sports, particularly wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"When I was a kid, my dad was constantly telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be powerful, first to protect ourselves, your family, and your companions," states Ibragim.

"So we all got used to combat, and that's why people understands 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; obviously, it benefited my little brothers a lot."

"Some of the footballers he comes up against don't have the same foundation he has. That's why he's stocky, strong and incredibly driven – due to wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his actual age, trainers grouped him with boys significantly older.

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

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

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as just weeks after joining 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 competition and Amir scored a spectacular free-kick," says Ibragim.

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

Half a dozen years after signing for the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the most youthful players in the club's history to practice with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

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

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They need to allow all the youthful players get game time right now."

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the existing first-team players. I believe the young guys are more motivated than the current squad members."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the latter once part of the academy of Manchester City, have also transferred to Manchester United.

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

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

'The Dream' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has also relocated to Manchester and dedicates most of his days honing his MMA skills at a local gym.

In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev get ready for a November UFC championship bout.

"I 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 young."

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

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

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

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

"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 guys about it to see if they would make it happen. It would be huge."