Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, has died, according to reports emanating from Russia Friday morning. He was 57 years old.
In April Nurmagomedov Sr. was initially admitted to hospital suffering from pneumonia symptoms and was subsequently transferred to a military hospital after his condition deteriorated.
While there, he tested positive for COVID-19 and later suffered a heart attack before undergoing emergency bypass surgery. During his time in hospital he was twice placed into medically-induced comas as he attempted to recover from surgery while also fighting coronavirus.
But, after a period of time in a serious but stable condition, reports from Russia have stated that Nurmagomedov Sr. has passed away. Chechen leader and friend of the Nurmagomedov family, Ramzan Kadyrov, announced the news Friday via a post on his Telegram channel.
Russian news agency TASS reported the news, citing Kadyrov’s Telegram statement, which read, “Sad news reached me, friends, that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov left this world. I sincerely condole the whole Chechen people to the family of Abdulmanap Magomedovich! He left us, leaving behind a good name and raising a worthy generation.”
Khabib’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, reacted to the news by posting a black and white photo of Abdulmanap and Khabib to his Instagram page, accompanied by a verse of condolence from the Quran.
Nurmagomedov Sr. presided over the emergence of Dagestani fighters on the world stage with his son, UFC lightweight champion Khabib, leading the way.
He also helped train and build the careers of a host of Dagestani fighters, including rising UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev and undefeated UFC newcomer – and Nurmagomedov Sr.’s nephew – Umar Nurmagomedov, who is scheduled to make his octagon debut on Abu Dhabi on July 25.
We at MMA Junkie would like to extend our deepest condolences to Khabib and his family.
Khabib Nurmagomedov's father, Abdulmanap, dies following battle with COVID-19 – reports
