Khabib Pays Heartfelt Tribute To His Father

Photo credit should read KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images

It’s been a very tough couple of months for Khabib Nurmagomedov and his family, as he recently suffered the loss of his father, Abdulmanap, after several weeks of battling one health setback after another due to COVID-19.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight champion has kept to himself for the most part, only reaching out to close friends and family during the mourning of his father. Now, “The Eagle” has emerged and posted a heartfelt tribute to his father on Instagram.

“I will miss you, Father. You were a Father, a friend, brother, and coach in one person,” Khabib wrote, as translated by RT. “You taught me almost everything I know. I hope that you were happy with me. The contentment of parents is the contentment of Allah.”

Khabib accompanied his message with a passage from the Quran.

“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 [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “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 [when I was] small.”

Khabib and his father shared a truly special bond, as Abdulmanap has been “The Eagle’s” trainer since he was old enough to compete in combat sports. According to Khabib’s friend and training partner Daniel Cormier, the relationship shared between father and son was so special that he feels it will take a lot of strength from and “already strong” Khabib to return to action.

As “DC” explained it, Khabib’s MMA journey was one he was taking with his father, and now that he is gone there is no telling what the future holds for the 155-pound champion in the combat sports world.

For his part, UFC president Dana White is giving Nurmagomedov all the time he needs before he considers returning to the Octagon, which puts his proposed title defense against Justin Gaethje — which was targeted for UFC 253 on Sept. 19 — very much in limbo.