The Brothers from the Dagestani Region Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he reflects on how his family's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

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

"We always remark, 'this was the country 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 relocation spanning more than 3,000 miles offered superior career opportunities for him and his brothers.

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

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

Ibragim is now a professional mixed martial arts athlete and is regarded as one of the leading talents in the PFL, a prominent MMA organization.

His siblings have taken a different route in sport and have each been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a spot in the first team.

"The primary thing for us is to extract everything from our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

"I hope them to play for every one of the top teams in the world. Today it is Man United, tomorrow it might be a different team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Soccer Prodigies

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan has a mystical reputation among combat sports fans for producing a host of UFC champions in the past few years.

The area has a long tradition in grappling, thriving in the sambo discipline and producing a host of Olympic and world winners.

This success is no accident, however, as youth from the region are often encouraged to take up combat sports, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

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

"So we all became accustomed to combat, and which is why people 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; clearly, it benefited my little brothers a great deal."

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

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

The clan's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as just weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's talent and he moved over the Pennines consequently.

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

"One of their scouts watched him play and picked him straight away."

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

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

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

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the current starters. I think the youngsters are hungrier than the current first-team players."

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

"Gazik, this kid is talented," adds Ibragim.

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

'The Goal' to Compete at Old Trafford

Ibragim has also relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days honing his MMA abilities at a local gym.

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

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

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

"Today, I'm here in his gym and sparring alongside Islam Makhachev."

Fresh from training with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim states he is desperate to claim a world title of his own someday.

However that does not stop him from sometimes dreaming of representing United and stepping out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

"I owned a PlayStation at home and I always used to play as Man United, scoring with legendary players," he recalls.

"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 goal for me. I was discussing with the PFL guys about it to see if they would make it happen. It would be huge."