Conor McGregor's shock response after Khabib's father in coma
Conor McGregor has put his nasty feud with Khabib Nurmagomedov aside for the time being after news the UFC champion’s father was in a coma.
Russian news outlet RT reported on Thursday that Khabib's father and longtime trainer Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is hospitalised and in a coma.
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According to RT and other Russian media reports, Abdulmanap, 57, is alone and in critical condition in a Moscow hospital.
Abdulmanap’s nephew Umar Nurmagomediv confirmed to RT on May 6 that Abdulmanap was initially hospitalised in April in his home of Dagestan with suspected pneumonia and had tested negative for COVID-19
He was first reported to be in good condition, but his health has taken a turn for the worse, prompting the move to a Moscow hospital, according to reports.
UFC lightweight and Khabib’s training partner Islam Makhachev confirmed the latest reports on Instagram Live, per RT.
“He is in Moscow,” Makhachev said. “He is in critical condition.”
Dane White and Conor McGregor express sadness
UFC president Dana White addressed the reports on Twitter, writing that he’s “saddened” by the news.
“Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is a true martial artist who lives a life of pride, honour and respect,” White tweeted.
“He instilled those same values in his son, world champion Khabib, at an early age and was always in his corner throughout his career.
“I know how close Khabib is with his father and I’m saddened to hear about his current state. My thoughts are with Abdulmanap and the Nurmagomedov family as he continues to fight.”
I know how close Khabib is with his father and I’m saddened to hear about his current state. My thoughts are with Abdulmanap and the Nurmagomedov family as he continues to fight (2/2)
— danawhite (@danawhite) May 13, 2020
Khabib’s fierce rival McGregor wrote that he was praying for Abdulmanap’s recovery, calling him a “true martial arts genius.”
“A man responsible for more World champions, across multiple fighting disciplines, than we even know,” McGregor wrote.
“Very saddened upon hearing this news tonight. Praying for the Nurmagomedov family at this time.”
Praying for the recovery of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. A man responsible for more World champions, across multiple fighting disciplines, than we even know.
A true martial genius!
Very saddened upon hearing this news tonight.
Praying for the Nurmagomedov family at this time 🙏 https://t.co/OVklQphPgN— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 13, 2020
McGregor’s comments come just days after he launched a stunning attack on Khabib on social media.
Khabib’s close relationship with father
Abdulmanap reportedly has a close relationship with Khabib and has trained him for most of his life as Khabib rose to the top of the UFC with a 28-0 record as the outfit’s lightweight champion.
Khabib was slated to defend his championship against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, but chose instead to return to his Russian home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Justin Gaethje instead faced and defeated Ferguson for the interim lightweight title and is presumed to be next in line to challenge Khabib for his belt.
Khabib has not publicly addressed his father’s condition.