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Khabib Nurmagomedov draws support from rivals as MMA world mourns his father's passing

The sad news of the passing of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of reigning UFC lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, is being mourned in the mixed martial arts world together with the latter’s fiercest rivals.

The elder Nurmagomedov passed away at the age of 57 on July 3 (Philippine time) due to complications from COVID-19.

He first had pneumonia-like symptoms then tested positive for COVID-19 in May.

Abdulmanap then suffered a heart attack that required emergency bypass surgery. He was then placed in a medically induced coma.

Abdulmanap is often regarded as the driving force behind his son’s success and was touted as the father of Dagestan MMA.

“The loss of a father, a coach, and a dedicated supporter of the sport. Condolences and rest in peace Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov,” former UFC featherweight and lightweight world champion Conor McGregor wrote on his social media.

Former UFC interim lightweight world champion Tony Ferguson also extended his condolences to Khabib.

“My sincerest condolences to you and your family @TeamKhabib. Keep your spirits up buddy respect to your father Abdulmanap. He will be front row when we hopefully compete someday,” he wrote on Twitter.

The Philippine MMA scene was equally shocked by the news like the rest of the world. One of the big names in the Asian landscape who extended his condolences was Team Lakay’s ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio.

“A great father of a great champion. Rest in peace.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov has yet to give a statement about his father’s passing as of this writing. —KG, GMA News