Those Siblings from Dagestan Making Their Mark in MMA and at Man Utd.

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

"I am fond of it here," the Professional Fighters League competitor remarks.

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

The 21-year-old departed his home in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father was convinced a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles promised superior professional opportunities for him and his siblings.

The initial idea was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to finish their education before joining one of the country's colleges.

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

Ibragim is now a professional MMA fighter and is regarded as one of the leading prospects in the PFL, a leading MMA league.

His siblings have chosen a different route in sport and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a position in the first team.

"Our key goal for us is to squeeze the maximum from our sports," says Ibragim.

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

From Wrestlers to Soccer Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among combat sports enthusiasts for generating a host of UFC champions in the past few years.

The area has a rich history in wrestling, thriving in the sambo discipline and producing numerous Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is not a coincidence, however, as children from the region are frequently pushed to take up fighting, specifically wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

"As a a kid, my dad was constantly telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be powerful, first to protect ourselves, your relatives, and your companions," says Ibragim.

"So we all became accustomed to fighting, and which is why people understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's unsurprising."

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can see the move from wrestling to football; clearly, it assisted my younger brothers a great deal."

"Some of the players he comes up against don't have the same base he has. That's why he's stocky, strong and really competitive – due to wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his real age, trainers placed him with boys five years older.

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

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

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

The clan's time in South Yorkshire was brief, though, as just weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's talent and he moved across the Pennines as a result.

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

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

Half a dozen years after signing for the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the most youthful players in the club's history to train with the senior side when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Know what he said to me? 'This is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

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

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the current 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 likewise transferred to Manchester United.

"Gazik, this youngster is talented," adds 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."

'The Dream' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has also relocated to Manchester and dedicates most of his days honing his MMA abilities at Manchester Top Team.

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

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

"He was the greatest 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 champions from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim states he is eager to win a world title of his own someday.

But that does not prevent him from occasionally fantasizing 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 always used to play as Man United, scoring with legendary players," he recalls.

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

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