Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, tragically passed away in July 2020 aged 57 following complication due to the coronavirus.His passing understandably rocked Khabib, and many questioned whether he would fight again, especially since his father was also his long-time coach.Khabib did get in the octagon one more time, and retained his UFC lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi. After the fight, The Eagle announced his retirement, saying that he did not want to fight without his dad.Now this morning, Khabib shared a touching video on his Instagram of him and his father laughing and wrestling together, with the caption: “It was the best time. Father [heart emoji]”.Throughout the video, Khabib attempts to cheekily takedown his father, but remember that Abdulmanap trained his son, so he surely knew his son’s every move. Khabib was ultimately outsmarted by his father and teacher and widened his stance to avoid a takedown.As the two grappled each other, there was nothing but smiles, laughs and good times between the two Nurmagomedovs, highlighting the amazing relationship they had together.In his post-match interview at UFC 254, Khabib told Jon Anik and the world: “"Today I want to say this is my last fight."No way am I coming here without my father. When UFC comes to me about Justin, I spoke with my mother for three days."She didn't want me to fight without my father. I promised to her this was going to be my last fight and if I give her my word, I have to follow through with this."There is only one thing I want from UFC, to put me as No 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world because I deserve it.”
He made his father proud by finishing his fighting career with a 29-0 record, as well as also being made UFC’s No. 1 Pound-For-Pound fighter.
Despite the 29-0 record, Khabib’s instagram video shows that his father may have had a shot at ending his winning streak.
Whatever the outcome of their playful bout, each of their successes were always shared together and their relationship will forever be admired for years to come.