It’s not every day you see a single family making headlines across two of the world’s most popular sports, but the Ibragimov brothers from Dagestan are doing just that. Their journey from the rugged mountains of southern Russia to the bustling pitches and gyms of Manchester is nothing short of remarkable. As of December 26, 2025, the Ibragimovs are rewriting the narrative of sporting success, blending a fierce wrestling heritage with football finesse and MMA grit.
Ibragim Ibragimov, the eldest at 21, stands tall as one of the brightest prospects in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He’s undefeated in the cage, boasting a 9-0 record with six of those victories coming by way of knockout or submission. His rise has been swift since making his professional MMA debut in 2021, and he’s not showing any signs of slowing down. "I love it here," Ibragim told BBC Sport with a grin, reflecting on the family’s move to England eight years ago. "My dad and I always say, 'this is the country I should have been born in'."
The decision to leave Dagestan in 2017 wasn’t made lightly. Their father believed that England could offer better opportunities for his children, and it’s hard to argue with the results. Originally, the plan was straightforward: finish school and eventually enroll in a British university. But sometimes, dreams change—and in the Ibragimovs’ case, they grew even bigger.
While Ibragim sharpened his skills in the cage, his younger brothers—Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15)—were carving out their own paths on the football pitch. All three now wear the iconic red of Manchester United’s academy, with Amir standing out as a prodigy. At just nine years old, Amir was already turning heads at Sheffield United, impressing coaches so much that they grouped him with boys five years his senior. "They thought Amir and I were the same age, apparently," Ibragim recalled. Unfazed by the challenge, Amir’s wrestling background gave him the edge, making him stronger and more competitive than many of his peers.
It wasn’t long before Manchester United took notice. During a youth tournament, Amir scored a spectacular free-kick against United’s academy team. "One of their scouts saw him play and picked him straight away," said Ibragim. Weeks later, Amir and his brothers made the switch to the red side of Manchester. Six years on, Amir made history in April 2023 by becoming one of the youngest players ever to train with United’s first team—at just 15 years old. "Do you know what he said to me? 'This is where I belong'," Ibragim shared, pride evident in his voice.
Amir’s journey is still unfolding, but the expectations are sky-high. "Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They need to let all the young players play right now. I don't think they would play worse than the first-team players. I think the young guys are hungrier than the current first-team players," Ibragim declared. And he’s not the only one with big dreams for his siblings. "Gazik, this kid is talented. He picked up everything quicker than everyone else. He's a good defender. He's going to be like a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United." Muhammad, too, has made the leap, having previously been on the books at Manchester City before joining his brothers at United.
The Ibragimovs’ sporting pedigree is deeply rooted in Dagestan’s storied wrestling tradition. The region has produced a slew of UFC champions and Olympic medalists, with combat sports woven into the fabric of daily life. "When I was a kid, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to protect yourself, your family, and your friends," Ibragim explained. "So we all got used to fighting, and that's why everyone knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise." Wrestling, it turns out, has given Amir and his brothers a unique advantage on the football field—strength, resilience, and a competitive edge that sets them apart.
Back in the MMA world, Ibragim’s ambitions stretch far beyond his current record. Training with Manchester Top Team, he’s spent countless hours honing his craft, but it’s his recent stint at Khabib Nurmagomedov’s gym in Dagestan that stands out. In August 2025, Ibragim spent three weeks helping UFC champion Islam Makhachev prepare for a title defense against Jack Della Maddalena. "I would never have thought I would be training under Khabib," Ibragim admitted. "He was the best fighter in the world—and we always used to look up to him when we were growing up. Now, I'm here in his gym and training with Islam Makhachev."
Despite his focus on MMA, Ibragim occasionally lets his mind wander to football. "I had a PlayStation at home and I always used to play as Man United on PES, scoring with [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Wayne] Rooney and [Carlos] Tevez," he reminisced. "Now, 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 do it. It would be huge."
Their story is a testament to the power of family, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence, no matter the arena. From wrestling mats in Dagestan to the hallowed turf of Old Trafford and the bright lights of the PFL, the Ibragimovs are proving that talent, when matched with relentless drive, knows no boundaries.
As the new year approaches, the Ibragimov brothers stand on the cusp of even greater achievements. Ibragim is set on extending his winning streak and chasing a world title, while Amir, Gazik, and Muhammad continue to rise through the ranks at Manchester United. Whether it’s in the cage or on the pitch, one thing’s for sure: this family isn’t done making history just yet.
