Khabib Nurmagomedov lost his father, Abdulmanap, earlier in the year and posted an emotional video of the pair recently
UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was extremely close to his father, Abdulmanap.
Abdulmanap was a decorated MMA coach and had helped Khabib become a dominant champion in the UFC.
Khabib had also spoken about how important it was to listen to your parents and his father was with him at all times.
However, tragedy struck the Nurmagomedov household when Abdulmanap passed away earlier in the year. The Russian had also contracted Covid-19 and was in hospital but lost his battle. That hurt Khabib massively and there were doubts about him returning to the Octagon.
The Russian did defend his title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 but retired right after winning the fight.
Khabib made a promise to his mother not to fight any more, and has opened up on other business ventures too.
However, he still posts updates regarding his father and shared a video of the pair wrestling. Abdulmanap was extremely gifted as a coach and it can be seen in the video as Khabib struggles to take his father down.
Khabib also added that this was “the best time” and still misses his father.
Planning to return?
While Khabib was adamant that his MMA career was done at 29-0, Dana White wasn’t so sure.
The UFC president was speaking after Anderson Silva vs Uriah Hall and believed that Khabib would be back.
White didn’t strip Khabib or vacate the Lightweight title once the Russian announced his retirement. The UFC president also added that Khabib would return for his 30th fight and the retirement announcement was made after the emotions got the best of him.
Khabib is one of the greatest MMA athletes of all-time and it will be interesting to see what his next move is.
More UFC news
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