Photo by Valery Sharifulin\TASS via Getty Images
The death of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov has cast a dark cloud over the mixed martial arts (MMA) community entering this July 4th weekend.
Nurmagomedov, who is the father and trainer of current UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, passed away at the age of 57 following complications stemming from COVID-19. The elder Nurmagomedov had been hospitalized since April after struggling with pneumonia-like symptoms. His condition worsened and Nurmagomedov eventually needed bypass surgery to correct a heart attack brought on by coronavirus, as well as the medically-induced coma that followed.
The passing of Nurmagomedov is incredibly sad given his contribution to the sport of MMA and the plethora of Dagestani fighters under his tutelage. Nurmagomedov’s presence around the sport will certainly be missed and the MMA community came out in droves to pay their respect to the Nurmagomedov family during this difficult time.
Find out what they had to say below:
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
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
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) July 3, 2020
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— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) July 3, 2020
Sincerest condolences to @TeamKhabib.
RIP Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) 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
My deepest condolences to @TeamKhabib during this time. Losing a father that was as involved in a mans life as his, this cant be easy and may God grant you and your family peace .
— Ibrahim Kawa (@Abraham_kawa) July 3, 2020
In a place where most youth have truly no options but war or crime, Abdulmanap’s gym provided a way out through sport and probably saved countless lives through the decades in being a consistent alternative to the violence of the region. Condolences to Khabib and his family.
— Tommy Toe Hold (@TommyToeHold) July 3, 2020
RIP Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
My heart goes out to @TeamKhabib and the Nurmagomedov family
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) July 3, 2020
Sad to wake up to see the news about Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Javier Mendez once told me that, even in his late 50s, he was one of the few guys at AKA who still liked to get out on the mat and wrestle with Daniel Cormier. “I won’t even wrestle with DC!” Javier said. Condolences.
— Chad Dundas (@chaddundas) July 3, 2020
I spent some time around Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov in the lead up to #UFC242 and the respect he was shown by fighters and coaches was something I have rarely, if ever, seen before. At the open workouts, it was almost like he was the star of the show, not Khabib. A huge loss.
— Peter Carroll (@PetesyCarroll) July 3, 2020
RIP SIR ?? We have all lost a great man https://t.co/SciBIOGwBa
— Mark Coleman (@Markcolemanmma) 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
My brother @TeamKhabib I am extremely sorry for your families loss. He was many things to you as your father but I can only imagine how proud he was of you as his son, to become the man you are today. Love your… https://t.co/e2Rn899NHu
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) July 3, 2020
Love to Khabib Nurmagomedov and all of @TeamKhabib.
Sir, I’m so sorry to hear about the death of your father.
The greatness of his genes, knowledge, beliefs, and leadership will always live on with you.
Love to you and your family. @ufc @AliAbdelaziz00 #RIP #Love #Family— Robin Black (@robinblackmma) July 3, 2020
— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouse) 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
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 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
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
As someone who has lost their own father I understand the pain all too well. Condolences to @TeamKhabib. May your dad Rest In Peace. ?
— Karyn Bryant (@KarynBryant) July 3, 2020
My condolences to Khabib and family. I had the opportunity to work with his father this past September and the pride he had for Khabib just radiated off of him. Rest In Peace. https://t.co/hoLHdPd6G1
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) 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
Stick with Mania for more reaction to Nurmagomedov’s untimely passing.