The Siblings from the Dagestani Region Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he considers 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 states.

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

The 21-year-old departed his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father was convinced a relocation spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide superior professional opportunities for him and his brothers.

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

But, life has turned out somewhat distinct for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts athlete and is viewed as one of the top talents in the PFL, a major MMA league.

His brothers have chosen a separate route in sport and have each been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a spot in the first team.

"The main goal for us is to squeeze everything from our sports," says Ibragim.

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

From Grapplers to Football Prodigies

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan has a mystical status 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 creating a host of Olympic and world winners.

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

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

"So 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; clearly, it helped my younger brothers a lot."

"Many of the footballers he comes up against don't have the identical foundation he possesses. That's why he's solid, strong and incredibly competitive – due to wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Unaware of his actual age, coaches grouped him with boys significantly older.

He was unfazed by the mistake and was more than comfortable holding his own against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

"They believed Amir and I were the same age, so the story goes," says Ibragim.

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was brief, though, as just weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he moved over the Pennines as a result.

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

"One of their talent spotters saw him play and picked 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 records to practice with the first team when he did so in April 2023.

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

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

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the existing first-team players. I think the youngsters are more motivated than the present squad members."

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

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

"He learned every skill quicker than the others. He's a solid defender. He's going to be like a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Dream' to Fight at Old Trafford

Ibragim has now relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days honing 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 championship bout.

"I would never have imagined 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 young."

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

Fresh from training with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim states he is eager to claim a world title of his own one day.

But that does not prevent him from sometimes dreaming of playing for United and walking out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

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

"Now, 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 massive."