Those Brothers from Dagestan Making Their Mark in MMA and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he considers how his clan's life has evolved since moving to England from Dagestan in 2017.

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

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

The 21-year-old departed his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles promised better professional prospects for him and his brothers.

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

But, life now looks quite distinct for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts athlete and is regarded as one of the prime talents in the PFL, a leading MMA league.

His siblings have taken a separate route in athletics and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a place in the first team.

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

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

From Grapplers to Football Talents

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

The area has a long history in grappling, thriving in the sambo style and creating numerous Olympic and world champions.

This success is no accident, though, as children from the region are frequently encouraged to begin fighting, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can walk.

"As a young, my dad was constantly instructing me and my little brothers that we needed to be strong, firstly to defend yourself, your relatives, and your friends," says Ibragim.

"So we all became accustomed to fighting, and that's why everyone understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a very good wrestler. You can observe the transition from wrestling to football; obviously, it helped my younger brothers a lot."

"Some of the footballers he comes up against lack the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's stocky, strong and incredibly competitive – because of wrestling."

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

He was unfazed by the mistake and was perfectly comfortable holding his own against older players because of his experience in wrestling.

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

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was brief, however, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he transferred across the Pennines as a result.

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

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

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 history to practice with the first team when he did so in April 2023.

"Know what he told me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They should allow all the youthful players play right now."

"In my opinion they would play worse than the current starters. I believe the young guys are more motivated than the present first-team players."

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once part of the academy of Manchester City, have likewise transferred to Manchester United.

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

"He picked up everything faster than the others. He's a solid defender. He's going to be like a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Dream' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has also 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, helping Islam Makhachev prepare for a November UFC title fight.

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

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

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

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

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

"I owned a PlayStation at home and I always used to play as Man United, scoring goals with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez," he says.

"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 speaking to the PFL officials about it to see if they would do it. It would be massive."