Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, died Friday after battling COVID-19, and his impact on the world of mixed martial arts was evident by the outpouring of respect that immediately followed on social media.
Abdulmanap was not just the father of Khabib, the undefeated phenom who is ESPN's top-ranked pound-for-pound MMA fighter, he was also Khabib's longtime head coach and the mentor of many of the excellent UFC fighters coming out of Dagestan, the Russian republic that is a hotbed of MMA.
Following his death, coaches, fighters and others in the MMA community took to social media to offer condolences and honor the life of Abdulmanap, one of the most influential leaders of martial arts in Eastern Europe -- and beyond.
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
My condolences to the Nurmagomedov family and the champ @TeamKhabib
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) July 3, 2020
I met Mr. ABDULMANAP once and his prescence alone demanded respect and discipline. I can see how loved and admired he was by all. 🙏❤️ https://t.co/uqCeOmxemv
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
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
Just heard news about Khabib's father. My team is gutted. We admire and respect both of them so much. Peace be with you my brother
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) 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
The first time I fought in London I was in the sauna with @TeamKhabib dad he was there cutting w one of his fighters and got the pleasure to talk to him and that man was a badass never had the opportunity to work w him but I'm sure who ever did that was a lucky fighter. RIP sir
— Chito Vera (@chitoveraUFC) July 3, 2020
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/d8JOEgzYnN
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) 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
RIP Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov 🙏
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) July 3, 2020
My heart goes out to @TeamKhabib and the Nurmagomedov family
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
So sorry for your loss @TeamKhabib My thoughts are with you and your family. https://t.co/QauiSk1QbX
— michael (@bisping) July 3, 2020
Condolences to @TeamKhabib and the Nurmagomedov family🙏🙏. Tragic loss of a great coach and mentor to so many. Rip
— Sayif Saud (@sayif_saud) 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
Sincerest condolences to @TeamKhabib.
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) July 3, 2020
RIP Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.