Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals Father Among Numerous Relatives Affected by COVID-19

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Khabib Nurmagomedov’s family has been hit hard by COVID-19.

In a video posted on Instagram, the UFC lightweight champion revealed that multiple family members have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. That includes his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who recently awakened from a coma after being hospitalized due to complications resulting from the virus.

“More than 20 of my close relatives have suffered [from] COVID-19 and also had to stay in intensive care. Some of them are not with us anymore,” Nurmagomedov said in the video (translation via MMAjunkie.com). “As for my father, there’s been so much support, and people kept asking about my father.

“My father is still at the hospital. He’s still going through this disease. He also had a heart complication due to COVID-19. Abdulmanap had surgery for his heart last year and also had the second one these days [sic], so he is still in bad condition. That’s all I can say.

“I want to thank all the people for your support, wishes and your prayers. I also wish all the best. Be safe and healthy. Thank you very much.”

Nurmagomedov returned to Russia in late March after spending a period of time training at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California. “The Eagle” was originally slated to defend his belt against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 but was unable to leave his native country due to travel restrictions as the event was relocated and ultimately, rescheduled for May 9. As a result, Justin Gaethje stepped in for Nurmagomedov and claimed the interim 155-pound title with a fifth-round TKO of Ferguson. Gaethje is expected to face Nurmagomedov in a title unification bout later this year.

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A post shared by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov) on May 18, 2020 at 11:53am PDT