Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov passed away on Friday following an extensive battle with COVID-19. First reported by RT News, Nurmagomedov, 57, had suffered “irreversible brain trauma caused by a stroke” as a result of a COVID-19 infection.
News of Nurmagomedov’s medical troubles emerged in months before. In May, news broke that Nurmagomedov went into a medically induced coma. Hope came in a mid-June update from Khabib Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali Abdelaziz, who said the state of Abdulmanap was “progressing,” and that he was able to speak to Khabib.
Abdulmanap was a huge influence on his son Khabib, getting him into wrestling early on. He continued to stay a part of Khabib’s career through to his UFC run, being a part of his corner during fights.
“Because of Khabib, the UFC got a good impression of Russian fighters,” Abdulmanap said in a 2020 interview with RT Sport.
Following the passing of his father, RT News reports that Khabib Nurmagomedov received a phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Support has also come in from big names within the MMA community.
“The loss of a father, a coach, and a dedicated supporter of the sport,” said UFC fighter Conor McGregor, who competed against Khabib in 2018.
“You’re dad passed with a heart full of pride knowing you will carry on his legacy,” said interim UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje on Twitter.
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