Those Siblings from Dagestan Excelling in Mixed Martial Arts and with Man Utd.
Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he reflects on how his clan's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan in 2017.
"I adore it here," the PFL star remarks.
"We frequently remark, 'this is the country I ought to have been born in.'"
The 21-year-old departed his home in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father was convinced a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide better professional prospects for him and his siblings.
The original plan was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to complete their education before joining one of the nation's colleges.
However, reality has turned out somewhat distinct for the Ibragimov household.
Ibragim is now a professional MMA athlete and is regarded as one of the top prospects in the PFL, a major MMA league.
His brothers have taken a different route in athletics and have all been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a position in the senior squad.
"Our key goal for us is to extract everything out of our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.
"I hope them to play for all of the finest teams in the world. Today it is Man United, tomorrow it might be a different team."
From Grapplers to Soccer Prodigies
Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan has a mythical status among fight fans for producing a slew of UFC champions in the past few years.
The area has a rich history in grappling, thriving in the combat sambo style and producing a host of Olympic and world champions.
This success is no accident, though, as youth from the region are frequently pushed to take up combat sports, specifically wrestling, practically as soon as they can walk.
"As a young, my dad was always telling me and my younger brothers that we needed to be strong, firstly to defend yourself, your family, and your companions," says Ibragim.
"So we all got used to fighting, and which is why people understands how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."
"Amir was a highly skilled wrestler. You can see the transition from wrestling to football; clearly, it helped my little brothers a great deal."
"Some of the players he comes up against don't have the identical foundation he possesses. That's why he's stocky, powerful and incredibly competitive – due to wrestling."
Amir was just nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Unaware of his actual age, trainers placed him with boys five years older.
He was not intimidated by the oversight and was more than capable competing against older players because of his background in wrestling.
"They thought Amir and I were the identical age, so the story goes," says Ibragim.
Amir was recruited, together with Ibragim's younger brothers Gazik and Muhammad.
The family's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, however, as just weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United became aware of Amir's ability and he transferred over the Pennines consequently.
"They faced Manchester United in a competition and Amir scored a spectacular free-kick," recalls Ibragim.
"One of their scouts saw him play and selected him immediately."
Half a dozen years after signing for the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir was one of the most youthful players in the club's history to practice with the senior side when he achieved this in April 2023.
"Do you know what he told me? 'Here is where I should be'," Ibragim says.
"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They need to let all the young players play now."
"I don't think they would play worse than the current starters. I believe the youngsters are hungrier than the present first-team players."
Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once part of the academy of Manchester City, have also transferred to Manchester United.
"Gazik, this kid is gifted," continues Ibragim.
"He picked up every skill faster than everyone else. He's a good defender. He's going to be similar to a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."
'A Goal' to Fight at Old Trafford
Ibragim has now moved to Manchester and dedicates most of his days sharpening his MMA abilities at a local gym.
In August, he passed three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev prepare for a November UFC championship bout.
"I would 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."
"Now, I'm here in his gym and sparring alongside Islam Makhachev."
Recently training with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is unsurprising Ibragim says he is eager to win a world title of his own someday.
However that does not prevent him from occasionally fantasizing of playing for United and stepping out on the historic turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.
"I had a PlayStation at home and I always used to play as Man United, scoring with legendary players," he recalls.
"Now, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's like a fantasy realized."
"An event at Old Trafford? It's a dream for me. I was discussing with the PFL guys about it to see if they would make it happen. It would be huge."