Khabib Nurmagomedov Breaks Silence For First Time Over His Father’s Death

UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov has sent out a touching tribute to his late father and mentor by saying that he hopes he is "pleased with me."

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who coached the undefeated Russian fighter, tragically passed away at the age of 57 this month due to complications stemming from coronavirus.

And Khabib, who hasn't fought since his victory over Dustin Poirier last September, wrote a tribute on his Instagram page to the man who taught him "practically everything I know."

According to Russian news agency TASS, the 31-year-old UFC lightweight champ posted: "Father, I will miss you.

"You were my father, friend, brother and coach in one. You taught me practically everything I know. I hope you were pleased with me."

Football icon David Beckham also took to Instagram and commented on Khabib's post: "Thinking about you and your family my friend."

Khabib is set to defend his championship crown against Justin Gaethje, who captured the interim lightweight title in his stunning UFC 249 win over Tony Ferguson.

Ali Abdelaziz, who represents Khabib and Gaethje, has suggested that both UFC stars will fight before the end of 2020.

However, UFC legend Daniel Cormier believes that the 'Eagle' might never fight again after the death of his father.

"I don't think he's fighting this year, honestly," 'DC' said.

"And it's going to take a lot of strength from a very strong man for Khabib to be back in the octagon, ever, I think."

The 41-year-old UFC star continued: "I just know what Abdulmanap meant to him, I know that this was their journey together.

"I hope he fights, but I don't know. Like I said, he's going to have to muster up a lot of strength for an already strong person to go out there and do it.

"And if he does, I just don't know how long he'll be around. Maybe [Khabib] fights and honours his father with another massive and unbelievable performance.

"But, I look back at his fight in September and when he won, the way his dad reacted it almost like you saw the video when his dad reacts after he won against Dustin Poirier, and it was almost like his spirit was filled with joy watching his kid do that. I'm just happy they got to share that together."

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/PA

Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC News, MMA News, UFC, eagle, MMA

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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