Those Brothers from Dagestan Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and with Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he considers how his clan's life has changed since moving to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

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

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

The 21-year-old departed his home in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father was convinced a move covering more than 3,000 miles would provide better career prospects for him and his siblings.

The initial idea was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to complete school before enrolling in one of the country's universities.

But, life has turned out quite different for the Ibragimov household.

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

His brothers have chosen a different route in athletics and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a place in the first team.

"Our key goal for us is to squeeze the maximum out of our chosen fields," says Ibragim.

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

Starting as Grapplers to Football Talents

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical status among fight enthusiasts for generating a slew of UFC champions in recent years.

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

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

"When I was young, my dad was constantly instructing me and my younger brothers that we needed to be strong, first to protect ourselves, your family, and your companions," states Ibragim.

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

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can see the transition from wrestling to football; clearly, it assisted my younger brothers a great deal."

"Some of the players he comes up against don't have the same base he possesses. That's why he's stocky, powerful and really driven – due to wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his real age, coaches grouped him with boys significantly older.

He was unfazed by the mistake and was more than capable holding his own against older players because of his experience in wrestling.

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

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as just weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he moved across the Pennines consequently.

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

"One of their scouts saw him play and picked him immediately."

Six years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the youngest players in the club's history to practice with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

"Do you 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? Absolutely. They need to allow all the youthful players play now."

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the existing starters. I think the young guys are more motivated than the present squad members."

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

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

"He learned everything quicker than everyone else. He's a good defender. He's going to be similar to a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Goal' to Compete at Old Trafford

Ibragim has also moved to Manchester and spends most of his days sharpening his MMA skills at a local gym.

In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev get ready for a late-year UFC championship bout.

"I never have imagined I would be learning 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."

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

But that does not prevent him from sometimes fantasizing 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 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."

"A fight at Old Trafford? It's a goal for me. I was discussing with the PFL officials about it to see if they could do it. It would be massive."