by - Ibragim Ibragimov will step into the cage for the PFL’s blockbuster event on Saturday
- The Russian MMA star spoke about his close ties with Manchester United
- Three of Ibragimov’s brothers currently play in United’s youth teams
In the world of sports, there is hardly a story as captivating as that of an athlete’s family.
Whether it’s the Klitschko brothers in boxing, the Williams sisters in tennis, or even the Haaland family in football, these stories are simply captivating.
And that also applies to the Ibragimov family, which consists of three brothers who currently play for Manchester United and one who has made a name for himself in the world of mixed martial arts.
Eldest brother Ibragim Ibragimov is preparing to continue his MMA legacy at the Professional Fighter League (PFL) Battle of the Giants event on Saturday night – where he will look to extend his impressive 7-0 record.
The featherweight star will face Nacho Campos in Saudi Arabia in what will be only his second fight since signing with the promotion.
MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov is looking to extend his undefeated record at the Professional Fighter League (PFL) Battle of the Giants event on Saturday evening
Ibragimov will be using the SmartCage for the second time in Saudi Arabia
Ibragimov (left) comes from a family of talented athletes, including Man United youth player Amir (right) and three brothers who currently play for the Premier League giants
Before the fight, Ibragimov said: “It means a lot to me to fight in Saudi Arabia on one of the biggest PFL cards with names like Francis Ngannou and Cris Cyborg.”
“It’s a big opportunity for me to show how good I am on a big platform like the PFL.” And I’ll show how good I am on Saturday evening.
“Of course it’s good to have an unbeaten record. I love winning and I hate losing! That’s why I’m undefeated.
Before flying to Riyadh for the fight, Ibragimov was welcomed by Manchester United at Old Trafford to wish him luck in the highly anticipated fight.
Ibragimov’s connection to the Red Devils runs deep considering his three younger brothers are all in the youth team – and 16-year-old brother Amir could soon break into United’s first team.
He said: “My brother trained with the first team too. “I expect he will be in the first team this year, maybe next year.
Ahead of his fight in Saudi Arabia, Ibragimov received a warm welcome at Old Trafford
The 20-year-old dreams of one day fighting at United’s Old Trafford stadium
Francis Ngannou (left) will headline Saturday’s event in a fight against Renan Ferreira (right).
“My two little brothers also play for Man United so they will make it too. “I believe in them. And then maybe in the future we’ll bring the PFL to Old Trafford and make it a big show.”
Despite struggling with injuries last year, his brother Amir has returned to form in both U18 and U17 appearances – scoring nine goals in just six games.
Ibragimov said: “He’s doing well at the moment.” He’s in a good place now. He’s close to making the first team.
“He had a photo with Ferguson, it was at the start and then he scored the winning goal for the England team. “So it’s a great opportunity for all of us.”
Amir Ibragimov could break into United’s first team after shining at youth level
The younger brothers Gazik (right) and Muhammad (left) are also part of the United squad
Younger brothers Gazik, 15, and Muhammad, 12, are also part of the United team and were lucky enough to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s son when the Portuguese superstar was at United.
Ibragimov said: “When Ronaldo came, my little brother played with Ronaldo’s son.” My little brother Gazik played with Ronaldo’s son for the same team.
“They are still good friends. “The only thing we did was send him a T-shirt home for him to sign and bring back.”
As Ibragimov’s younger brothers continue to make their mark on United’s pitch, Ibragim will be looking to do the same when he heads into the SmartCage on Saturday evening.
