Those Brothers from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and with Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he reflects on how his clan's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan in 2017.

"I adore it here," the PFL star remarks.

"We always say, 'this was the nation I should have been born in.'"

The young man departed his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles promised superior career prospects for him and his brothers.

The original idea 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 universities.

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

Ibragim is now a professional mixed martial arts fighter and is regarded as one of the prime talents in the PFL, a major MMA league.

His siblings have taken a separate route in athletics and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a spot in the senior squad.

"The main goal for us is to extract the maximum out of our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

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

Starting as Wrestlers to Soccer Talents

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical reputation among combat sports fans for producing a host of UFC champions in the past few years.

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

This achievement is not a coincidence, however, as children from the region are often encouraged to begin combat sports, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can walk.

"As a young, my dad was constantly telling me and my little brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to defend yourself, your family, and your companions," states Ibragim.

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

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

"Many of the players he faces lack the identical base he possesses. That's why he's stocky, strong and really competitive – because of wrestling."

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

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

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

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he moved across the Pennines consequently.

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

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

Six 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 train with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

"Know what he told me? 'Here is where I should be'," Ibragim reveals.

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? Absolutely. They should allow all the young players get game time right now."

"In my opinion they would play worse than the existing first-team players. I think the youngsters are hungrier than the present squad members."

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

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

"He picked up every skill quicker than the others. He's a solid defender. He's going to be similar to a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Goal' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has now relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days perfecting his MMA abilities at Manchester Top Team.

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

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

"He was the best fighter in the world – and we constantly used to idolize him when we were growing up."

"Now, I'm here in his gym and training with Islam Makhachev."

Fresh from working with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim states he is desperate to win a world title of his own someday.

But that does not stop him from sometimes dreaming of representing United and walking 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 goals 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 dream for me. I was discussing with the PFL guys about it to see if they could do it. It would be enormous."