Those Siblings from the Dagestani Region Excelling in MMA and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he considers how his family's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan in 2017.

"I love it here," the Professional Fighters League athlete remarks.

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

The young man left his home in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father believed a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles would provide superior professional prospects for him and his brothers.

The initial idea 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.

However, reality now looks somewhat distinct for the Ibragimov household.

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

His brothers have chosen a different route in athletics and have all been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a spot in the senior squad.

"The primary goal for us is to squeeze the maximum out of our sports," says Ibragim.

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

From Wrestlers to Football Talents

Located in the south of Russia, Dagestan has a mythical status among combat sports enthusiasts for generating a host of UFC champions in the past few years.

The area has a long tradition in wrestling, thriving in the sambo discipline and creating a host of Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is no accident, though, as youth from the region are frequently pushed to take up fighting, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

"As a young, my dad was constantly telling me and my younger brothers that we needed to be powerful, first to protect yourself, your family, and your friends," states Ibragim.

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

"Amir was a highly skilled wrestler. You can observe the move from wrestling to football; obviously, it assisted my little brothers a great deal."

"Many of the players he faces don't have the same base he has. That's why he's solid, strong and really driven – because of wrestling."

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

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

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

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

The clan's time in South Yorkshire was brief, though, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's talent and he transferred across the Pennines consequently.

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

"One of their talent spotters saw him play and selected him straight away."

Six years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the youngest players in the club's records to practice with the senior side when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Do you know what he said to me? 'This is where I belong'," Ibragim reveals.

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

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

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

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

"He learned everything faster than everyone else. He's a good 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 also relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days honing his MMA skills at a local gym.

In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev prepare for a November UFC championship bout.

"I never have thought I would be training under Khabib," Ibragim says.

"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 champions from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim says he is eager to claim a world title of his own someday.

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

"I owned a PlayStation at home and I always used to play as Man United, scoring goals with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez," he recalls.

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

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