Those Siblings from the Dagestani Region Excelling in MMA and at Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he reflects on how his family's life has evolved since moving to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

"I am fond of it here," the PFL star declares.

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

The young man left his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia as his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide better professional opportunities for him and his siblings.

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

But, reality has turned out slightly different for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a pro MMA fighter and is regarded as one of the top talents in the PFL, a leading MMA organization.

His siblings have taken a different path in sport and have each been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a position in the senior squad.

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

"I desire them to play for all of the best teams in the world. Now it is Man United, in the future it might be a another team."

Starting as Grapplers to Football Prodigies

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among combat sports fans for generating a number of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The region has a rich history in wrestling, excelling in the sambo style and creating numerous Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is no accident, though, as youth from the region are often pushed to take up combat sports, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

"When I was a kid, my dad was always instructing me and my little brothers that we needed to be strong, first to protect yourself, your relatives, and your friends," states 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 very good wrestler. You can see the move from wrestling to football; obviously, it assisted my younger brothers a great deal."

"Some of the players he comes up against don't have the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's stocky, strong and really competitive – because of wrestling."

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

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

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

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

The clan's stay in South Yorkshire was brief, though, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he transferred across the Pennines as a result.

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

"One of their talent spotters saw him play and picked him straight away."

Six years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the most youthful players in the club's records to train with the senior side 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? Without a doubt. They need to allow all the youthful players get game time now."

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

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

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

"He learned every skill faster than the others. He's a good defender. He's going to be like a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Dream' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

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

In August, he spent three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev get ready for a late-year UFC championship bout.

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

"He was the best fighter in the world – and we always used to look up to him when we were growing up."

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

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

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

"Now, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's like 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 would do it. It would be massive."