- Khabib’s father suffered a heart attack after getting coronavirus
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the father and trainer of Khabib Nurmagomedov, died after a series of complications from COVID-19.
The late had been hospitalized in Moscow for weeks after suffering a heart attack following his contraction of Covid-19.
Abdulmanap fell ill in April with pneumonia-like symptoms and his condition deteriorated. He was flown to a hospital in Moscow where he tested positive for coronavirus and then suffered a heart attack before undergoing bypass surgery.
The veteran trainer was then put into a mentally induced coma and when he regained consciousness was reportedly struggling with his speech.
Family friend Ramazan Rabadanov told Russian outlet Championat: “Abdulmanap suffered two strokes, in his heart [a heart attack] and brain.”
‘They managed to treat his heart, but not his brain, so he didn’t emerge from the coma. The situation was too serious, it was already too late. The doctors did everything they could, they even tried to connect him with the president [Putin], but his condition was too serious.”
Abdulmanap was close with Khabib, whom he trained in Sambo and wrestling when the UFC lightweight champion was a little boy, even having his son fight bear cubs.
He was denied a visa to travel for Khabib’s fights in the US but was in attendance last year in Abu Dhabi to see the title defence against Dustin Poirier.
Abdulmanap was the most influential presence on his son’s career and even turned the bottom floor of their family home into a gym so Khabib could train all day.
Some gave him the moniker ‘Father of Dagestan MMA’ with a disproportionately high number of talented fighters emerging from the region, often from under his tutelage.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov only cornered Khabib once during his son’s UFC stint.
That came last September at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi.
It meant a lot for Khabib to have his dad in his corner that day.
I’m glad they were able to share that moment together. pic.twitter.com/46M2pTadyy
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) July 3, 2020
Deeply saddened to hear this news. My heart goes out to the ever-classy champion @TeamKhabib and his family. I’ll never forget that moment between father and son in the Octagon at UFC 242 last fall. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/ICDBq7C5zD
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) July 3, 2020
So heartbreaking to hear this news of the Legend Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. I’m very sorry @TeamKhabib You’re dad passed with a heart full of pride knowing you will carry on his legacy.
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) July 3, 2020