The Brothers from the Dagestani Region Excelling in MMA and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he considers how his clan's life has changed since relocating to England from Dagestan in 2017.

"I adore it here," the Professional Fighters League athlete remarks.

"My father and I often remark, 'this was the nation I ought to have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old departed his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father believed a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide better career opportunities for him and his brothers.

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

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

Ibragim is now a pro MMA athlete and is seen as one of the prime talents in the PFL, a major MMA organization.

His siblings have taken a separate path in athletics and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir vying for a spot in the first team.

"The main thing for us is to squeeze the maximum from our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

"I hope them to play for all of the top teams in the world. Today it is Man United, in the future it could be a different team."

From Wrestlers to Football Talents

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mystical status among fight fans for generating a slew of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The region has a long tradition in grappling, thriving in the sambo style and creating a host of Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is not a coincidence, though, as youth from the region are frequently encouraged to begin fighting, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.

"As a young, my dad was constantly telling me and my younger brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to protect ourselves, your relatives, and your companions," states Ibragim.

"Therefore we all became accustomed to fighting, and that's why everyone knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a highly skilled wrestler. You can observe the move from wrestling to football; clearly, it assisted my little brothers a lot."

"Some of the players he comes up against lack the same foundation he has. That's why he's stocky, powerful and really driven – because of wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Unaware of his actual age, trainers grouped him with boys five years older.

He was unfazed by the mistake and was perfectly comfortable holding his own against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

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

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

The family's time in South Yorkshire was brief, though, as just weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he moved across the Pennines as a result.

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

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

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

"Do you know what he said to me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim reveals.

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

"I don't think they would play worse than the existing starters. I believe 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 also made the move to Manchester United.

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

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

'A Goal' to Fight at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has also 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 homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev prepare for a late-year UFC championship bout.

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

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

"Now, I'm here in his gym and sparring alongside 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.

But that does not prevent him from occasionally 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 constantly used to play as Man United, scoring goals with legendary players," he says.

"Today, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's similar to a fantasy realized."

"An event at Old Trafford? It's a dream for me. I was speaking to the PFL guys about it to see if they would do it. It would be massive."