Dana White and Conor McGregor have paid tribute to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dad, Abdulmanap, who is reportedly in a coma.
The 57-year-old, who has coached the current UFC lightweight champion son for most of his career, is believed to be in a military hospital in Russia.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov has coached his son for much of his career
Russian newspaper, Sport Express, report a source telling them: Abdulmanap is in a bad condition, hes in Moscow and in a coma.
They didnt treat him properly in Dagestan, and some complications arose.
“They flew him to Moscow, where he is now in a military hospital.
Hes on his own there, they wont allow family [to visit].
McGregor and Khabib have been anything but friendly, though the Irishman has sent his best wishes to his UFC rival
On Twitter, UFC boss White posted: “Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is a true martial artist who lives a life of pride, honor and respect.
“He instilled those same values in his son, world champion Khabib, at an early age and was always in his corner throughout his career.
“I know how close Khabib is with his father and Im saddened to hear about his current state. My thoughts are with Abdulmanap and the Nurmagomedov family as he continues to fight.”
Conor McGregor, who has a long standing rivalry with Khabib hailed Abdulmanap’s track record and expressed his sadness at the news.
“Praying for the recovery of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov,” he wrote.
“A man responsible for more World champions, across multiple fighting disciplines, than we even know. A true martial genius! Very saddened upon hearing this news tonight. Praying for the Nurmagomedov family at this time.”
Praying for the recovery of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. A man responsible for more World champions, across multiple fighting disciplines, than we even know. A true martial genius! Very saddened upon hearing this news tonight.Praying for the Nurmagomedov family at this time https://t.co/OVklQphPgN
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 13, 2020
Since forcing McGregor to submit in October 2018, Khabib he has successfully defended the belt against Dustin Poirier.
His next fight is expected to be against Justin Gaethje, who beat Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight title.
That could even take place on the fabled ‘Fight Island’, according to White.
I dont know if it will be the first one, but it will be on Fight Island, unless miraculously the world comes back together faster than I think its gonna.
Hopefully it will be done by mid-June, and I could put on a fight that weekend that its done or end of June, the UFC president added.