UFC’s world lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov urged young fans and people to respect their parents in an emotional video not too long ago, and today, it takes on further meaning.This video went viral earlier following the news that Nurmagomedov’s father Abdulmanap died in hospital following complications from an infection that stemmed from the COVID-19 virus.The Chechen leader and friend of the family Ramzan Kadryov announced news of the 57-year-old’s death.Kadryov said: “From the whole Chechen people I offer sincere condolences to the family of Abdulmanap!“He left us, leaving behind a good name and raising a worth generation!”The legendary trainer fell ill back in April of this year with pneumonia-like symptoms. Subsequently, his condition sadly began to deteriorate.Addressing young fans across the world, Khabib said: “Your parents are everything: Your mother, your father. Your parents are going to teach you everything that you have to do.“When you’re 15 or 16 years old you think you know everything, you feel big power. You forget about when you were two years old. Sometimes you don’t respect your parents, you have to remember everything when you grow up, how they support you and how they give you life. This is very important.”Abdulmanap was widely considered to be one of the best wrestling and sambo coaches in the world. The 57-year-old was incredibly close with Khabib, who he trained since he was a little boy and even had him fight bear cubs.
Subsequently, Abdulmanap helped his son become the first UFC world champion from Russia back in 2018 after a comprehensive victory against American lightweight Al Iaquinta at UFC 223 in New York.
The fighter, otherwise known as ‘The Eagle’, has since gone on to remain unbeaten, defeating ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor via submission at UFC 229 and Dustin Poirier at last summer’s UFC 242 event.
During this difficult time for Khabib and his family, our thoughts go out to all of them.