Those Siblings from Dagestan Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he reflects on how his clan's life has changed since relocating to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

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

"My father and I often say, 'this is the country I should have been born in.'"

The young man departed his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father believed a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles promised better professional prospects for him and his siblings.

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

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

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts fighter and is viewed as one of the top talents in the PFL, a major MMA league.

His siblings have chosen a different path in athletics and have all been signed by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a position in the senior squad.

"The primary thing for us is to extract everything out of our sports," says Ibragim.

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

From Wrestlers to Football Talents

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical status among fight fans for producing a number of UFC champions in the past few years.

The region has a rich history in grappling, thriving in the sambo style and creating a host of Olympic and world champions.

This success is no accident, however, as children from the region are frequently encouraged to begin combat sports, particularly wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"When I was young, my dad was constantly instructing me and my little brothers that we had to be powerful, first to protect yourself, your family, and your companions," says Ibragim.

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

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

"Some of the footballers he comes up against lack the same base he has. That's why he's stocky, powerful 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, trainers grouped him with boys five years older.

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

"They thought Amir and I were the same age, so the story goes," says Ibragim.

Amir was signed, together with Ibragim's little brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

The family's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as just weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's talent and he moved over the Pennines as a result.

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

"One of their scouts watched him play and selected him immediately."

Half a dozen 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 practice with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

"Do you know what he told 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 young players get game time now."

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the existing starters. I think the young guys are more motivated than the current squad members."

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once part of the academy 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 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 also relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days perfecting his MMA skills at Manchester Top Team.

In August, he passed three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev get ready for a late-year UFC title fight.

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

"He was the greatest 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 training with Islam Makhachev."

Recently training with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim says he is eager to claim a world title of his own someday.

However that does not prevent him from sometimes fantasizing of representing United and walking 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 says.

"Now, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's like a dream come true."

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