Those Brothers from Dagestan Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and at Manchester United.

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

"I am fond of it here," the Professional Fighters League competitor states.

"We often remark, 'this is the nation I should have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old left his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia as his father believed a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles would provide superior 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 school before joining one of the nation's universities.

But, life has turned out somewhat distinct for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a pro mixed martial arts 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 signed by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a spot in the first team.

"The main goal for us is to extract everything out of our chosen fields," says Ibragim.

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

From Grapplers to Football Talents

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical status among fight fans for producing a host of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The region has a rich tradition in grappling, excelling in the combat sambo style and producing a host of Olympic and world winners.

This success is no accident, though, as children from the region are often pushed to begin combat sports, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"When I was a kid, my dad was constantly telling me and my younger brothers that we had to be powerful, first to protect yourself, your family, and your companions," states Ibragim.

"Therefore we all got used to fighting, and which is why everyone understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's unsurprising."

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

"Some of the players he faces lack the same base he possesses. That's why he's stocky, strong and really competitive – due to wrestling."

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

He was unfazed by the oversight and was more than capable competing against older players thanks to his experience in wrestling.

"They thought Amir and I were the same age, apparently," remarks Ibragim.

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

The family's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's talent and he transferred over the Pennines consequently.

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

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

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

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

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

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the existing starters. I think the young guys are more motivated than the present squad members."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once part of the academy of Manchester City, have also made the move to Manchester United.

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

"He learned everything quicker than the others. He's a good defender. He's going to be like a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Goal' to Fight at Old Trafford

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

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

"I never have thought 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 growing up."

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

Recently training with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim says he is eager to claim a world title of his own someday.

But that does not prevent him from occasionally dreaming of representing United and stepping 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.

"Today, 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 speaking to the PFL guys about it to see if they would make it happen. It would be huge."