MMA Community Reacts To The Death Of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov

The father of UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov passed away not long ago. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was hospitalized following complications from pneumonia. It led him to undergo open-heart surgery and it was discovered that Khabib’s (28-0) father had a case of COVID-19. He ended up being placed under medically-induced comas twice.

Abdulmanap, 57, helped train Khabib and several Russian fighters to either be champions or contenders. His influence was felt all over the MMA community. Recently, it was reported that Umar Numagomedov and Tagir Ulanbekov, who were set to make their debuts on “Fight Island”, may not make it due to the passing of Abdulmanap.

Following his passing, several entities from the MMA community reached out to send their condolences. Justin Gaethje, a potential opponent for Khabib, stated that Khabib will carry on his legacy. When Khabib beat Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 last September, many remember the joy in Abdulmanap’s eyes as he watched his son win.

Here are some of the reactions from around the world, from fighters like Poirier, Conor McGregor, Cris Cyborg, and Michael Bisping, to MMA promotions, to Dana White himself:

So heartbreaking to hear this news of the Legend Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. I’m very sorry @TeamKhabib You’re dad passed with a heart full of pride knowing you will carry on his legacy.

— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) July 3, 2020

You will be missed Mr. Nurmagomedov pic.twitter.com/Yq4pEl9kYH

— danawhite (@danawhite) July 3, 2020

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. A genius of combat sports and absolute inspiration to so many up and coming fighters. Sadly only entering his prime of coaching such a loss and tragedy. RIP and best wishes to his family during this difficult time 🙏🏽

— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) July 3, 2020

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Condolences @TeamKhabib on the passing of your father 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/COSx48zkhf

— @CrisCyborg on Youtube (@criscyborg) July 3, 2020

My heart is incredibly saddened by the news this morning of the passing of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. The bond Khabib and his father had was unconditional. Now he is resting peacefully in heaven with the almighty. May god be with you and your family @TeamKhabib pic.twitter.com/w7HbT1bjIt

— Dan “50k” Ige (@Dynamitedan808) July 3, 2020

RIP Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov 🙏

My heart goes out to @TeamKhabib and the Nurmagomedov family

— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) July 3, 2020

Deeply saddened to hear this news. My heart goes out to the ever-classy champion @TeamKhabib and his family. I’ll never forget that moment between father and son in the Octagon at UFC 242 last fall. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/ICDBq7C5zD

— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) July 3, 2020

الحمدلله القائل: "كل من عليها فان ويبقى وجه ربك ذو الجلال والإكرام".

أسأل الله أن يتغمد الفقيد بواسع رحمته، وأن يرزق قلوبكم المؤمنة بقضاء الله وقدره الصبر والسلوان رغم بالغ الحزن والأسى، وأن يجمعنا بأحبابنا في جنات النعيم.

إنا جميعاً لله، وإنا إليه راجعون. pic.twitter.com/xmQd3h5h58

— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) July 3, 2020

🙏 https://t.co/h1qUw3rjTO

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) July 3, 2020

Sincerest condolences to @TeamKhabib.
RIP Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) July 3, 2020

Awful news. Rest in power Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Thoughts are with @TeamKhabib and all his loved ones. ❤️

— player/coach (@CMPunk) July 3, 2020

RIP Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
In my last fight in Russia the crowd started attacking the cage after I won,it was turning into a scary situation,my safety seemed in genuine danger.
Abdulmanap came into the cage & settled things very quickly.
He seemed like a great man.

— Peter Queally (@peterqueally) July 3, 2020

My condolences to @TeamKhabib & his family 🙏🏼🤍

— Tracy Cortez (@TracyCortezmma) July 3, 2020

So sorry for your loss @TeamKhabib My thoughts are with you and your family. https://t.co/QauiSk1QbX

— michael (@bisping) July 3, 2020

Apart from being the key to UFC champ Khabib Nurmagomedov’s success,Abdulmanap also had a long history of using sports to combat extremism in his native Dagestan.

His death isn’t just a tragic loss for his family,but a devastating blow to an entire generation of Dagestani youth https://t.co/caqEDIbLqu

— Karim Zidan | كريم زيدان (@ZidanSports) July 3, 2020

We were deeply saddened by the news of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passing.
KSW Federation sends sincere condolences to the whole @TeamKhabib family.

— KSW (@KSW_MMA) July 3, 2020

Our entire team sends our sincere condolences to the Nurmagomedov family and all those who considered Abdulmanap a member of their family.

The combat sports world mourns🖤

"Every soul shall taste death, and only on the Day of Judgment will you be paid your full recompense." pic.twitter.com/hpV9YKe3w0

— Anik & Florian Podcast (@AnikFlorianPod) July 3, 2020

He fought for his father. That’s what kept him humble. Abdulmanap trained his son from childhood in hopes of him becoming the best in the world. He accomplished that. You can see his greatness by looking at his son. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was a blessing to martial arts. RIP.

— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) July 3, 2020

Tributes rightfully pouring in for Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. I had many positive & respectful, all be it brief, encounters both in & out of the UFC with him. A lot of respect my way. Condolences to Khabib & all of the family. RIP.

— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) July 3, 2020

Waking up to the terrible news that my AKA brother @TeamKhabib has lost his father. They had a very tight bond as Abdulmanap put a lifetime of teachings into molding Khabib as the champion he is today. Gone too soon. I pray the family finds peace🙏🏽@SikhPA #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/DBYv8Ghe5U

— Arjan Singh Bhullar (@TheOneASB) July 3, 2020

RIP Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov

Our sincerest condolences go out to the Nurmagomedov family

(Photo via @RTSportNews) pic.twitter.com/0UOdCEaAdb

— PFL MMA (@ProFightLeague) July 3, 2020

So sad to hear about the passing of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, my condolences to @TeamKhabib and his family 😔❤️ pic.twitter.com/4uQCExT8LB

— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) July 3, 2020

The loss of a father, a coach, and a dedicated supporter of the sport. Condolences and rest in peace Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 3, 2020

Gutted to hear the news of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s passing. Anyone who knows anything about Khabib knows how much his dad means to him and to so many fighters. An unspeakable loss for the family and the entire region. My sincerest condolences to the family of @teamkhabib.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 3, 2020

Abdulmanap has been responsible for the plethora of talent we’ve seen come out of Dagestan in recent years.

He deserves immense credit for that as well as his son’s success.

A great coach and a great role model.

— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) July 3, 2020