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Those Brothers from the Dagestani Region Making Their Mark in Mixed Martial Arts and at Manchester United.
Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he considers how his family's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan eight years ago.
"I am fond of it here," the PFL star remarks.
"We often remark, 'this was the nation I should have been born in.'"
The 21-year-old departed his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father was convinced a relocation spanning more than 3,000 miles promised superior career opportunities for him and his siblings.
The initial plan was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to finish school before joining one of the country's universities.
However, life has turned out quite different for the Ibragimov family.
Ibragim is now a pro MMA athlete and is seen as one of the leading talents in the PFL, a prominent MMA league.
His brothers have taken a different route in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a position in the senior squad.
"The primary goal for us is to squeeze everything from our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.
"I want them to play for every one of the best teams in the world. Today it is Man United, in the future it could be a another team."
From Wrestlers to Football Talents
Located in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among combat sports fans for generating a number of UFC titleholders in recent years.
The region has a rich tradition in grappling, thriving in the combat sambo discipline and producing a host of Olympic and world champions.
This success is not a coincidence, though, as children from the region are often encouraged to take up fighting, specifically wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.
"As a young, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we had to be powerful, first to defend ourselves, your family, and your friends," 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 move from wrestling to football; clearly, it benefited my younger brothers a great deal."
"Some of the players he comes up against lack the same foundation he possesses. That's why he's solid, powerful and really driven – due to wrestling."
Amir was just nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his real age, coaches grouped him with boys significantly older.
He was unfazed by the mistake and was more than capable competing against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.
"They thought Amir and I were the same age, so the story goes," remarks Ibragim.
Amir was recruited, along with Ibragim's younger brothers Gazik and Muhammad.
The family's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he moved across the Pennines consequently.
"They faced Manchester United in a tournament and Amir scored a brilliant free-kick," says Ibragim.
"One of their talent spotters saw him play and picked him straight away."
Six years after signing for the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the most youthful players in the club's history to train with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.
"Know what he said to me? 'This is where I belong'," Ibragim reveals.
"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They should allow all the youthful players play right now."
"I don't think they would play less effectively than the current first-team players. I think the young guys are hungrier than the present first-team players."
Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once on the books of Manchester City, have likewise transferred to Manchester United.
"Gazik, this youngster is talented," continues Ibragim.
"He picked up every skill faster than everyone else. He's a solid defender. He's going to be like a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."
'The Dream' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams
Ibragim has also relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days perfecting his MMA abilities at a local gym.
In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev prepare 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 working 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 sometimes dreaming of representing United and walking out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, similar to his brothers.
"I owned a PlayStation at home and I constantly used to play as Man United, scoring with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez," he says.
"Now, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's like a dream come true."
"A fight at Old Trafford? It's a ambition for me. I was discussing with the PFL guys about it to see if they would do it. It would be enormous."
Brian Hernandez
A passionate writer and shopping enthusiast with a keen eye for quality products and lifestyle trends.
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