The Siblings from Dagestan Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he thinks about how his family's life has changed since relocating to England from Dagestan a decade ago.

"I love it here," the Professional Fighters League star states.

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

The 21-year-old departed his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles promised better 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 complete their education before joining one of the country's colleges.

But, reality has turned out slightly different for the Ibragimov household.

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

His brothers have chosen a different path in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a spot in the senior squad.

"Our key goal for us is to extract the maximum from our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

"I desire them to represent every one of the finest teams in the world. Now it is Man United, tomorrow it might be a another team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Soccer Prodigies

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

The region has a rich tradition in grappling, thriving in the sambo discipline and creating numerous Olympic and world winners.

This success is not a coincidence, however, as youth from the region are frequently encouraged to begin fighting, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can walk.

"When I was young, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be powerful, first to defend yourself, your relatives, and your friends," states Ibragim.

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

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

"Many of the players he faces lack the same base 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, coaches grouped him with boys five years older.

He was unfazed by the oversight and was more than comfortable holding his own 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 recruited, along with Ibragim's younger brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

The clan's stay in South Yorkshire was brief, though, as just weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he moved across the Pennines consequently.

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

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

Six years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the most youthful players in the club's history to practice with the first team when he did so in April 2023.

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

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. 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 think the youngsters are more motivated than the present squad members."

Since then, 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 learned 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."

'A Goal' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

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

In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev prepare for a late-year UFC title fight.

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

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

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

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

But that does not prevent him from occasionally fantasizing of playing for United and stepping 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.

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

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