The Siblings from Dagestan Excelling in MMA and with Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he considers how his family's life has evolved since relocating to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

"I love it here," the Professional Fighters League competitor declares.

"We often comment, 'this was the nation I should have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old departed his home in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father was convinced a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles would provide superior professional prospects 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 nation's colleges.

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

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

His siblings have chosen a separate path in sport and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a position in the senior squad.

"The primary goal for us is to extract everything from our sports," says Ibragim.

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

Starting as Wrestlers to Football Talents

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among fight enthusiasts for producing a host of UFC champions in recent years.

The area has a long tradition in grappling, excelling in the sambo discipline and producing numerous Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is no accident, however, as children from the region are often encouraged to take up combat sports, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"When I was young, my dad was constantly telling me and my little brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to protect ourselves, your family, and your friends," states Ibragim.

"So we all became accustomed to combat, and which is why people understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can observe the move from wrestling to football; clearly, it assisted my younger brothers a lot."

"Many of the footballers he comes up against lack the same foundation he has. That's why he's solid, strong and incredibly driven – due to wrestling."

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

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

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

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

The family's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as just weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned 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 watched him play and picked him immediately."

Half a dozen years after joining the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the youngest 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? 'This is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

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

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the current first-team players. I believe the young guys are more motivated than the current first-team players."

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

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

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

'A Goal' to Fight at Old Trafford

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

In August, he passed three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev prepare for a late-year UFC title fight.

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

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

"Today, 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 says he is desperate to win a world title of his own someday.

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

"I owned a PlayStation at home and I constantly used to play as Man United, scoring with legendary players," he recalls.

"Now, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's similar to a dream come true."

"An event at Old Trafford? It's a goal for me. I was speaking to the PFL officials about it to see if they would make it happen. It would be massive."