Those Brothers from Dagestan Excelling in MMA and at Manchester United.

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

"I love it here," the PFL athlete states.

"We always comment, 'this is the nation I should have been born in.'"

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

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

However, life has turned out quite distinct for the Ibragimov family.

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

His brothers have taken a separate route in sport and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a position in the first team.

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

"I hope them to represent all of the best teams in the world. Today it is Man United, tomorrow it could be a another team."

From Wrestlers to Football Prodigies

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among combat sports enthusiasts for producing a slew of UFC champions in recent years.

The region has a long tradition in wrestling, excelling in the combat sambo discipline and creating a host of Olympic and world winners.

This success is not a coincidence, though, as youth from the region are often pushed to begin combat sports, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

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

"So we all became accustomed to combat, and which is why people understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's unsurprising."

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can see the transition from wrestling to football; obviously, it helped my little brothers a lot."

"Many of the footballers he comes up against don't have the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's stocky, strong and really competitive – due to wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his real age, trainers placed him with boys significantly older.

He was not intimidated by the oversight 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," remarks Ibragim.

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

The clan's time in South Yorkshire was brief, however, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he moved over the Pennines as a result.

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

"One of their scouts watched 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 history to practice with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

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

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

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

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once part of the academy of Manchester City, have also transferred to Manchester United.

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

"He picked up everything faster than everyone else. He's a good defender. He's going to be like a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Goal' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has also relocated to Manchester and dedicates most of his days honing his MMA skills at Manchester Top Team.

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

"I would 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 training with Islam Makhachev."

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

However that does not stop him from sometimes dreaming of playing for United and walking out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, similar to his brothers.

"I owned 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 similar to a dream come true."

"An event at Old Trafford? It's a ambition for me. I was discussing with the PFL guys about it to see if they would make it happen. It would be massive."