Ibragim Ibragimov breaks into a smile as he reflects on how his family's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan eight years ago.
"I love it here," the Professional Fighters League athlete remarks.
"My father and I frequently remark, 'this is the nation I ought to have been born in.'"
The young man left his homeland in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father believed a relocation covering more than 3,000 miles would provide better career opportunities for him and his brothers.
The original idea was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to complete school before joining one of the country's universities.
But, reality has turned out quite different for the Ibragimov household.
Ibragim is now a professional MMA fighter and is regarded as one of the top prospects in the PFL, a major MMA organization.
His brothers have chosen a separate route in athletics and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a place in the first team.
"The main thing for us is to squeeze the maximum out of our sports," says Ibragim.
"I hope them to represent all of the finest teams in the world. Now it is Man United, tomorrow it could be a different team."
Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan has a mystical reputation among combat sports fans for generating a number of UFC titleholders in recent years.
The region has a rich history in grappling, excelling in the combat sambo discipline and producing numerous Olympic and world winners.
This success is not a coincidence, however, as children from the region are frequently encouraged to begin combat sports, specifically wrestling, almost as soon as they can stand.
"As a a kid, my dad was constantly telling me and my little brothers that we had to be strong, first to protect ourselves, your family, and your friends," says Ibragim.
"So we all became accustomed to combat, and which is why everyone knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."
"Amir was a highly skilled wrestler. You can see the move from wrestling to football; obviously, it helped my younger brothers a lot."
"Some of the players he faces lack the identical foundation he has. That's why he's solid, strong and really competitive – due to wrestling."
Amir was just nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Unaware of his real age, trainers placed him with boys significantly older.
He was unfazed by the mistake and was more than capable holding his own against older players because of his background in wrestling.
"They believed Amir and I were the same age, apparently," remarks Ibragim.
Amir was signed, along with Ibragim's younger brothers Gazik and Muhammad.
The clan's time in South Yorkshire was brief, however, as only weeks after signing for the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's talent and he transferred across 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 straight away."
Half a dozen years after joining the Manchester United club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the youngest players in the club's records to train with the senior side when he achieved this in April 2023.
"Know what he told me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim reveals.
"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They need to allow all the young players play right now."
"In my opinion they would play worse than the existing first-team players. I think the young guys are more motivated than the present squad members."
Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the latter once part of the academy of Manchester City, have likewise transferred to Manchester United.
"Gazik, this youngster is gifted," continues Ibragim.
"He learned every skill quicker than the others. He's a good defender. He's going to be like a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."
Ibragim has now moved to Manchester and dedicates most of his days honing his MMA abilities at Manchester Top Team.
In August, he spent three weeks in his native region at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev get ready for a late-year UFC title fight.
"I never have imagined I would be learning under Khabib," Ibragim admits.
"He was the greatest 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 sparring alongside Islam Makhachev."
Fresh from working with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim says he is eager to win a world title of his own someday.
But that does not stop 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.
"Today, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's similar to a fantasy realized."
"An event at Old Trafford? It's a dream for me. I was speaking to the PFL officials about it to see if they could make it happen. It would be enormous."
A seasoned gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience in lottery analysis and casino reviews.
