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

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he reflects on how his family's life has changed since relocating to England from Dagestan in 2017.

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

"We always remark, 'this was the nation I ought to have been born in.'"

The young man left his home in the North Caucasus of Russia as his father was convinced a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide 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, life has turned out quite different for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a pro MMA athlete and is viewed as one of the leading talents in the PFL, a prominent MMA organization.

His siblings have taken a different route in sport and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a spot in the first team.

"The main goal for us is to squeeze everything out of our sports," explains Ibragim.

"I want them to play for every one of the finest teams in the world. Now it is Man United, in the future it could be a another team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Soccer Talents

Located in the south of Russia, Dagestan has a mythical reputation among fight fans for generating a number of UFC champions in recent years.

The region has a long history in grappling, thriving in the combat sambo style and creating numerous Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is no accident, however, as youth from the region are often encouraged to take up fighting, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

"When I was young, my dad was constantly telling me and my younger brothers that we had to be powerful, first to protect yourself, your relatives, and your companions," states Ibragim.

"Therefore we all got used to combat, and which is why people knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can see the move from wrestling to football; obviously, it benefited my little brothers a great deal."

"Many of the footballers he comes up against lack the identical foundation he has. That's why he's solid, powerful and really competitive – because of wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Unaware of his real age, coaches grouped him with boys five years older.

He was unfazed by the mistake and was more than capable competing against older players thanks to his experience in wrestling.

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

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

The family's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as just weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's talent and he moved over the Pennines consequently.

"They faced Manchester United in a competition and Amir scored a brilliant free-kick," recalls Ibragim.

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

Half a dozen years after joining the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the most youthful players in the club's records to practice with the first team when he did so in April 2023.

"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? Absolutely. They should allow all the young players play right now."

"In my opinion they would play worse than the existing starters. I think the youngsters are more motivated than the present first-team players."

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the latter once part of the academy of Manchester City, have likewise made the move 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 new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Goal' to Compete at Old Trafford

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

In August, he spent three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev get ready for a November UFC title fight.

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

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

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

Recently training with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim states he is eager to claim a world title of his own someday.

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

"I owned a PlayStation at home and I always 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."

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