Ibragim Ibragimov smiles as he thinks about how his clan's life has evolved since relocating to England from Dagestan eight years ago.
"I love it here," the PFL athlete remarks.
"We frequently say, 'this was the nation I ought to have been born in.'"
The young man left his home in the North Caucasus of Russia as his father was convinced a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles promised better 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 complete their education before enrolling in one of the nation's universities.
But, reality has turned out somewhat different for the Ibragimov family.
Ibragim is now a pro MMA fighter and is seen as one of the prime prospects in the PFL, a major MMA organization.
His brothers have taken a different route in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a place in the first team.
"The main goal for us is to extract the maximum from our sports," says Ibragim.
"I want them to play for every one of the best teams in the world. Now it is Man United, in the future it could be a another team."
Starting as Grapplers to Football Talents
Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical reputation among fight enthusiasts for producing a host of UFC titleholders in the past few years.
The area has a long history in grappling, thriving in the sambo discipline and producing a host of Olympic and world champions.
This success is not a coincidence, though, as youth from the region are often pushed to begin combat sports, specifically wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.
"As a a kid, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be strong, first to protect ourselves, your family, and your companions," says Ibragim.
"So we all became accustomed to fighting, and that's 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 benefited my younger brothers a great deal."
"Many of the players he faces don't have the same foundation he has. That's why he's stocky, strong and incredibly driven – due to wrestling."
Amir was only nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his real age, coaches grouped him with boys significantly older.
He was unfazed by the oversight and was perfectly capable holding his own against older players because of his background in wrestling.
"They believed Amir and I were the identical age, so the story goes," remarks Ibragim.
Amir was signed, along with Ibragim's younger brothers Gazik and Muhammad.
The family's time in South Yorkshire was brief, though, as just weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's talent and he transferred across the Pennines as a result.
"They faced Manchester United in a tournament and Amir scored a brilliant free-kick," says Ibragim.
"One of their scouts watched him play and selected him straight away."
Half a dozen years after signing for the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the youngest players in the club's history to practice with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.
"Know what he told me? 'This is where I should be'," Ibragim reveals.
"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They should let all the young players play now."
"I don't think they would play less effectively than the current starters. I think the youngsters are more motivated than the present squad members."
Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once part of the academy of Manchester City, have likewise transferred to Manchester United.
"Gazik, this kid is talented," continues Ibragim.
"He picked up every skill quicker than the others. He's a good defender. He's going to be similar to a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."
'A Dream' to Fight at Old Trafford
Ibragim has now relocated to Manchester and spends most of his days sharpening his MMA skills at Manchester Top Team.
In August, he passed three weeks in his native region 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 young."
"Today, I'm here in his gym and training with Islam Makhachev."
Recently working with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim states 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 walking out on the hallowed 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 recalls.
"Now, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's like a fantasy realized."
"A fight at Old Trafford? It's a dream for me. I was discussing with the PFL guys about it to see if they could make it happen. It would be enormous."
