Breaking: Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father passes away due to COVID-19 complications

The Mixed Martial Arts community mourns as reports from Russia, early Friday, report the death of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Abdulmanap is the father and coach of the UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. He was 57 years old and passed away due to COVID-19 complications.

Image via Sports Bible

According to a report from RT Sport, the specific cause of death was “irreversible brain trauma caused by a stroke.” 

Nurmagomedov was admitted to the hospital back in April with pneumonia symptoms. He tested positive for COVID-19 and suffered a heart attack leading to an emergency bypass surgery. His condition weakened and was placed on two separate medically induced comas while continuing to fight the coronavirus. 

Following a period of serious but stable condition, reports came out of Russia reporting the death of Nurmagomedov. Ramzan Kadyrov, a Chechen leader and friend of the Nurmagomedov family, announced the news Friday on his Telegram channel.

TASS, a Russian news agency,  also confirmed the reports and provided a translated statement from Kadyrov: “My friends, I have learnt sad news today that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away. On behalf of all people of Chechnya, I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Abdulmanap Magomedovich [Nurmagomedov]. He parted with us having left behind his good name and having brought up a decent generation.”

Image via @SameeraKhan via Twitter

Khabib revealed mid-May that his father was hospitalized due to heart complications related to coronavirus.

“Many people I know have died, the parents of people close to me,” Khabib stated in an Instagram live chat on May 18. “This virus has affected everyone. This virus doesn’t ask what your surname or name is, this virus doesn’t ask where you work, if you are rich or poor. Everyone has gotten ill. We can only overcome this together.”

The news has cast a dark cloud over the MMA community. Fighters, media, fans have sent their condolences and support to the Nurmogoedov family. 

Nurmogmomedov is the man responsible for introducing UFC light Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov to the world of Mixed Martial Arts at the age of eight. He has produced several world champions and served as a senior coach for the Republic of Dagestan’s combat sambo national team.

There is no doubt the Martial Arts community will miss Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.