The Brothers from Dagestan Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he considers how his family's life has changed since moving to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

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

"We often 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 believed a move covering more than 3,000 miles offered superior career opportunities for him and his siblings.

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

However, life now looks quite distinct for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a professional MMA fighter and is seen as one of the top prospects in the PFL, a prominent MMA league.

His siblings have taken a separate path in sport and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a position in the senior squad.

"The main goal for us is to extract the maximum from our sports," explains Ibragim.

"I want them to play for every one of the finest teams in the world. Today it is Man United, in the future it could be a another team."

Starting as Grapplers to Soccer Prodigies

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical status among combat sports fans for generating a host of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The region has a long tradition in wrestling, thriving in the sambo style and producing numerous Olympic and world winners.

This success is no accident, however, as youth from the region are frequently encouraged to begin fighting, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

"As a young, my dad was always instructing me and my little brothers that we needed to be strong, first to protect ourselves, your relatives, and your companions," says Ibragim.

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

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

"Some of the footballers he comes up against lack the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's solid, strong and really driven – due to 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 significantly older.

He was not intimidated by the oversight and was more than capable competing against older players because of his experience in wrestling.

"They thought Amir and I were the identical age, apparently," says Ibragim.

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

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

"They faced Manchester United in a tournament and Amir scored a spectacular free-kick," recalls Ibragim.

"One of their talent spotters saw him play and picked him immediately."

Six years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the most youthful players in the club's records to train with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Do you know what he told me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They need to allow all the youthful players get game time right now."

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the existing first-team players. I believe the youngsters are more motivated than the present squad members."

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

"Gazik, this kid is talented," 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."

'The Goal' to Fight at Old Trafford

Ibragim has now relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days sharpening 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 championship bout.

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

"He was the greatest 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."

Fresh from training with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim states he is desperate to win a world title of his own someday.

However that does not stop him from sometimes fantasizing of playing for United and stepping out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, similar to 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 like a dream come true."

"A fight 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 massive."