Those Brothers from the Dagestani Region Excelling in MMA and with Man Utd.

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

"I am fond of it here," the Professional Fighters League competitor states.

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

The 21-year-old departed his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia as his father was convinced a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide better career prospects for him and his brothers.

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

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

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

His siblings have chosen a different route in athletics and have each been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a position in the first team.

"The primary thing for us is to extract the maximum out of our chosen fields," says Ibragim.

"I hope them to represent all of the finest teams in the world. Now it is Man United, in the future it might be a another team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Soccer Talents

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mystical reputation among fight fans for producing a host of UFC champions in recent years.

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

This achievement is no accident, though, as children from the region are frequently encouraged to take up fighting, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"As a a kid, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be powerful, firstly to defend ourselves, your relatives, and your companions," says Ibragim.

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

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can see the move from wrestling to football; clearly, it benefited my younger brothers a lot."

"Many of the footballers he faces lack the same base he has. That's why he's stocky, strong and really competitive – due to wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Unaware of his real age, trainers grouped him with boys five years older.

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

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

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was brief, though, as just weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he transferred over the Pennines consequently.

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

"One of their talent spotters watched him play and selected him immediately."

Six years after joining the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the youngest players in the club's history to train with the senior side when he achieved this in April 2023.

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

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

"In my opinion they would play worse than the current first-team players. I believe the youngsters are hungrier than the current first-team players."

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

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

"He picked up every skill quicker than everyone else. He's a solid defender. He's going to be like a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Dream' to Fight 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 passed three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev prepare for a November UFC championship bout.

"I never have thought I would be learning 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 training with Islam Makhachev."

Recently working with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim says he is desperate to win a world title of his own one day.

However that does not prevent him from sometimes fantasizing of representing United and walking out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

"I had a PlayStation at home and I constantly 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 fantasy realized."

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