This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the father and coach of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, has passed away at the age of 57 after a long battle with Covid-19.
According to Chechen Republic leader Ramzan Kadyrov, Nurmagomedov Sr was struck down with coronavirus in April and placed in an induced coma. Despite initial improvements, his condition deteriorated, and he suffered a heart attack, requiring bypass surgery before being placed in a coma for a second time.
When his dad first fell ill, Nurmagomedov Jr revealed his extended family had been impacted by the coronavirus crisis, with over 20 family members sick and many acquaintances and relatives lost.
"In my personal case, I've had more than 20 people sick from my family," Nurmagomedov Jr said. "More than 20 people were lying in the ICUs. And many of them are no longer among us. Many acquaintances have died, many parents of my relatives. Everybody is having a hard time dealing with it."
His son's manager had expressed optimism about his father's condition in recent weeks, saying, "Khabib is very strong, his family is very strong and his father is very strong. He's improving. He opened his eyes, responding a little bit. Good sign. Allah is in control."
However, Nurmagomedov Sr's condition worsened, and he passed away, leaving behind a legacy as his son's coach and a family impacted by the virus.
