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

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

"I love it here," the PFL star remarks.

"We frequently comment, 'this is the nation I should have been born in.'"

The young man departed his home in the Caucasus region of Russia as his father was convinced a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide superior career prospects 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 now looks slightly distinct for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a pro MMA athlete and is regarded as one of the top prospects in the PFL, a major MMA league.

His brothers have chosen a separate path in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a place in the senior squad.

"The primary goal for us is to squeeze everything from our sports," explains Ibragim.

"I want them to play for all of the finest teams in the world. Today it is Man United, tomorrow it could be a different team."

From Grapplers to Soccer Talents

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

The region has a rich history in wrestling, thriving in the combat sambo style and creating a host of Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is not a coincidence, though, as children from the region are often pushed to take up combat sports, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

"When I was young, my dad was constantly telling me and my younger brothers that we had to be powerful, firstly to defend ourselves, your family, and your friends," says Ibragim.

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

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

"Some of the players he faces lack the identical base he possesses. That's why he's stocky, powerful and incredibly driven – due to wrestling."

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

He was unfazed by the oversight and was more than capable competing against older players because of his background in wrestling.

"They believed Amir and I were the same age, apparently," says Ibragim.

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

The family's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he transferred over the Pennines consequently.

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

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

Six years after signing for 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 did so in April 2023.

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

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? Absolutely. They need to let all the young players get game time now."

"In my opinion they would play worse than the current starters. I believe the youngsters are hungrier than the current first-team players."

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

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

"He learned everything quicker than the others. He's a good defender. He's going to be similar to a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Dream' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has now moved to Manchester and spends most of his days perfecting his MMA abilities at Manchester Top Team.

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

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

"He was the greatest fighter in the world – and we always used to idolize him when we were young."

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

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

However that does not stop him from sometimes dreaming of representing United and stepping out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

"I had a PlayStation at home and I always used to play as Man United, scoring with legendary players," he says.

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

"An event at Old Trafford? It's a dream for me. I was discussing with the PFL officials about it to see if they could make it happen. It would be enormous."