THE father of UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov - the arch rival of Conor McGregor - has died from 'complications due to Covid-19'.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov had been reportedly suffering from the disease for around two months before passing away at the age of 57 this week.
According to Russian outlet RT, Khabib's father died as a result of brain injuries sustained after suffering a stroke while his body battled with coronavirus.
The legitimacy of his father's health problems was called into question by McGregor last week, when the Irishman sensationally claimed that the illness was just an excuse for the Russian fighter to get out of fights.
McGregor later deleted the comment he posted on Instagram.
Ten days ago, Khabib gave an update on his father's condition while he was being treated in a hospital in Moscow.
"He recognizes me, but there is no [verbal] communication, because he is under the hospital devices," said Khabib.
"Every day, I visit him for half an hour, hold his hand, talk, he gestures to understand that he recognizes me."
Abdulmanap has been responsible for the plethora of talent we’ve seen come out of Dagestan in recent years.
He deserves immense credit for that as well as his son’s success.
A great coach and a great role model.— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) July 3, 2020
Abdulmanap trained his son Khabib to be an MMA fighter and watched him ascend to the very top of the sport, culminating in his famous submission victory over Conor McGregor in October 2018 at UFC 229.
With victory over the Dubliner, Khabib retained his UFC Lightweight Championship, which he had won after it was stripped for McGregor due to inactivity.
The 31-year-old remains undefeated with a 28-0 record in the Octagon.
