MMA

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of UFC’s Khabib, dead at 57 from coronavirus complications

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, MMA coach and father of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, has died, according to Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Russian republic of Chechnya on Friday. He was 57.

The elder Nurmagomedov died due to brain injuries caused by a stroke after contracting coronavirus, according to Russian outlet RT. In late June, Khabib revealed that his father remained in critical condition in an emergency ward of a Moscow hospital. Abdulmanap was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus earlier in April and later had a stroke that put him on life support for a week.

“My friends, I have learnt sad news today that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away,” Kadyrov wrote on Telegram, per Tass.com. “On behalf of all people of Chechnya, I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Abdulmanap Magomedovich [Nurmagomedov].

“He parted with us having left behind his good name and having brought up a decent generation.”

Abdulmanap helped train and build the careers of other up-and-coming Dagestani fighters, including UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev and undefeated UFC newcomer – and nephew – Umar Nurmagomedov. Umar is set to make his octagon debut on July 25 in Abu Dhabi.

“We’ve lost our backbone,” Ali Abdelaziz, Khabib’s manager told ESPN on Friday. “He was a father, coach, brother, an icon. Things will never be the same without him.”

“The loss of a father, a coach, and a dedicated supporter of the sport,” former UFC champion Conor McGregor — a rival of Khabib Nurmagomedov — wrote on Twitter. “Condolences and rest in peace Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.”