The Brothers from the Dagestani Region Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and at Manchester United.

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

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

"We frequently comment, 'this was the country I should have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old left his home in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father was convinced a move spanning more than 3,000 miles offered superior professional 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 quite different for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a professional mixed martial arts fighter and is seen as one of the top prospects in the PFL, a major MMA league.

His brothers have chosen a different route in sport and have all been signed by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a place in the first team.

"The main goal for us is to extract the maximum 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, tomorrow it could be a another team."

Starting as Grapplers to Soccer Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mystical reputation among combat sports enthusiasts for producing a number of UFC champions in the past few years.

The region has a rich history in grappling, thriving in the combat sambo style and producing numerous Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is not a coincidence, however, as youth from the region are often pushed to begin combat sports, specifically wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

"As a young, my dad was constantly telling me and my little brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to protect ourselves, your relatives, and your companions," says Ibragim.

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

"Amir was a highly skilled wrestler. You can see the move from wrestling to football; obviously, it assisted my younger brothers a lot."

"Some of the players he faces lack the identical 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 put through his paces at Sheffield United. Unaware of his actual age, coaches placed him with boys significantly older.

He was unfazed by the oversight and was perfectly capable competing against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

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

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

The clan's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's talent and he transferred over the Pennines consequently.

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

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

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

"Do you know what he told me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim reveals.

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They need to let all the young players play right now."

"I don't think they would play worse than the existing starters. I think the youngsters are hungrier than the present squad members."

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

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

"He picked up every skill faster than everyone else. He's a solid defender. He's going to be similar to a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Goal' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has now relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days perfecting 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 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 training with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim says he is eager to win a world title of his own one day.

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 had a PlayStation at home and I constantly used to play as Man United, scoring 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 dream for me. I was discussing with the PFL officials about it to see if they would do it. It would be enormous."