The father and coach of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov reportedly is in a coma in a Moscow hospital.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who has coached Khabib for most of his career, reportedly was flown from his home country of Dagestan to a special military hospital in Moscow after complications from pneumonia. There, multiple reports say, he was placed in a medically induced coma.
UFC president Dana White, in a statement posted at UFC.com, acknowledged the 57-year-old Abdulmanap’s reported condition.
“Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is a true martial artist who lives a life of pride, honor and respect,” White stated. “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 I’m saddened to hear about his current state. My thoughts are with Abdulmanap and the Nurmagomedov family as he continues to fight.”
Even Conor McGregor, arguably Khabib’s fiercest rival, posted his support for Abdulmanap on Wednesday.
“Praying for the recovery of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. A man responsible for more World champions, across multiple fighting disciplines, than we even know,” McGregor posted on Twitter. “A true martial genius! Very saddened upon hearing this news tonight. Praying for the Nurmagomedov family at this time.”
Stay tuned to MMA Junkie for more on this story as it develops.
