Those Siblings from the Dagestani Region Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and at Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he reflects on how his clan's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

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

"We frequently remark, 'this is the country I should have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old left his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father was convinced a move spanning more than 3,000 miles offered better professional prospects for him and his siblings.

The initial plan was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to complete school before joining one of the nation's universities.

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

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

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

"Our key goal for us is to extract everything out of our sports," explains Ibragim.

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

Starting as Grapplers to Soccer Prodigies

Located in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mystical reputation among combat sports fans for generating a slew of UFC titleholders in the past few years.

The region has a long history in grappling, excelling in the combat sambo discipline and creating numerous Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is not a coincidence, though, as children from the region are often encouraged to take up fighting, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.

"When I was a kid, my dad was always instructing me and my younger brothers that we needed to be strong, first to protect ourselves, your family, and your friends," says Ibragim.

"So we all became accustomed to combat, and that's why everyone understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

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

"Some of the players he comes up against lack the same base he has. That's why he's stocky, powerful and incredibly driven – due to wrestling."

Amir was just 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 not intimidated by the oversight and was perfectly capable holding his own against older players thanks to his experience in wrestling.

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

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

The clan's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's talent and he transferred over the Pennines as a result.

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

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

Six years after signing for the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the most youthful players in the club's records to practice with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

"Do you know what he told me? 'This is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They should let all the youthful players play right now."

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the current first-team players. I believe the youngsters are more motivated than the present first-team players."

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

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

"He learned every skill faster than the others. He's a solid defender. He's going to be like a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Dream' to Fight at Old Trafford

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

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

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

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

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

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

But that does not stop him from sometimes dreaming of playing for United and walking out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

"I had a PlayStation at home and I constantly used to play as Man United, scoring with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez," 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 goal for me. I was speaking to the PFL officials about it to see if they could make it happen. It would be massive."