Khabib Nurmagomedov cites Quran passage in paying tribute to father after death

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov publicly acknowledged the death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, for the first time Wednesday.

Abudulmanap, who also served as Khabib’s head coach during his fighting career, died July 3 after complications from COVID-19 following pneumonia and heart surgery.

Given the depth of their relationship, Khabib’s choice to keep quiet since Abdulmanap passed away is no surprise. He’s yet to discuss the situation but on Wednesday took to social media and posted a photo of him hugging his father complimented by a Quran passage to honor him (via <a href=”

Quran 17:23-24.
And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them , “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.
And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up small.”

Khabib’s fighting future remains uncertain. UFC president Dana White has said multiple times he will give the undefeated 155-pound champ as much time as necessary before engaging serious discussions for a comeback fight.

Khabib’s friend and American Kickboxing Academy teammate, Daniel Cormier, however, recently expressed concern that he could be impacted so deeply by the loss that never competing again wouldn’t be out of the question.

Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) has yet to reveal where things stand regarding his MMA career.