The Brothers from Dagestan Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and at Manchester United.

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

"I love it here," the PFL competitor states.

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

The 21-year-old departed his home in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father believed a move covering more than 3,000 miles would provide superior professional opportunities for him and his brothers.

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

However, reality has turned out quite different for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts athlete and is seen as one of the top talents in the PFL, a prominent MMA organization.

His brothers have chosen a separate route in athletics and have each been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a place in the first team.

"The primary thing for us is to squeeze everything from our chosen fields," says Ibragim.

"I want them to represent every one of the top teams in the world. Today it is Man United, tomorrow it could be a different team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Football Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mythical reputation among fight fans for generating a slew of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The region has a long tradition in wrestling, excelling in the combat sambo style and creating a host of Olympic and world champions.

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

"When I was young, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we had to be strong, first to defend yourself, your relatives, and your companions," states Ibragim.

"Therefore we all got used to combat, and that's why everyone knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

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

"Some of the players he faces lack the same base he possesses. That's why he's stocky, powerful and really driven – because of wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his actual age, trainers placed him with boys significantly older.

He was not intimidated by the mistake and was more than capable competing against older players thanks to his experience in wrestling.

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

Amir was signed, together 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 became aware of Amir's ability and he transferred across the Pennines as a result.

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

"One of their scouts saw 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 first team when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Know what he said to me? 'Here is where I should be'," Ibragim says.

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

"I don't think they would play worse than the current starters. I believe the youngsters are hungrier than the present first-team players."

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the latter once on the books of Manchester City, have likewise transferred to Manchester United.

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

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

'A Goal' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has also moved to Manchester and spends most of his days honing his MMA abilities 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 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 constantly used to idolize him when we were growing up."

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

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

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

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

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

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