The Siblings from Dagestan Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and at Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he reflects on how his family's life has evolved since moving to England from Dagestan in 2017.

"I am fond of it here," the PFL athlete states.

"We frequently comment, '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 believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles promised better career opportunities for him and his siblings.

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

But, reality now looks slightly distinct for the Ibragimov family.

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 contracted by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a spot in the senior squad.

"The primary goal for us is to squeeze the maximum out of our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

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

From Wrestlers to Football Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical status among combat sports enthusiasts for generating a slew of UFC titleholders in recent years.

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

This success is not a coincidence, though, as children from the region are often encouraged to begin combat sports, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can walk.

"When I was a kid, my dad was constantly telling me and my younger brothers that we needed to be powerful, first to protect ourselves, your family, and your friends," says Ibragim.

"Therefore we all got used to combat, and that's why everyone knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's unsurprising."

"Amir was a very good wrestler. You can observe the transition from wrestling to football; clearly, it helped my younger brothers a lot."

"Some of the players he faces don't have the identical foundation he possesses. That's why he's stocky, strong and incredibly driven – because of wrestling."

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

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

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

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

The clan's stay in South Yorkshire was brief, though, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's talent and he transferred over the Pennines as a result.

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

"One of their talent spotters saw him play and selected 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 records to train with the senior side when he achieved this in April 2023.

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

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They need to allow 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 squad members."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once on the books of Manchester City, have also transferred to Manchester United.

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

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

'A Dream' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has now moved to Manchester and dedicates most of his days honing his MMA abilities 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 November UFC title fight.

"I would never have thought I would be training 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."

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

Fresh from training with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim states he is desperate to win a world title of his own one day.

However that does not stop him from occasionally dreaming of representing United and walking out on the historic 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."

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