Conor McGregor and Dana White have rallied around Khabib Nurmagomedov following reports his father has fallen into a coma in Russia.
Reports in his homeland, later corroborated by news outlet RT, said on Wednesday that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who also trains the undefeated UFC lightweight champion, had been transported to a military hospital in Moscow after initially being taken to hospital in his native Dagestan.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, 57, was last month said to have been taken to hospital with suspected pneumonia, while also returning a negative test for Covid-19. The Nurmagomedov family are yet to comment on Abdulmanap’s condition.
However, RT reported Khabib’s training partner, Islam Makhachev, confirming fears during an Instagram Live stream.
“He is in Moscow,” Makhachev said. “He is in critical condition.”
Taking to social media on Wednesday, long-time rival McGregor set aside any bad blood with Khabib Nurmagomedov. “Praying for the recovery of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. A man responsible for more world champions, across multiple fighting disciplines, than we even know," he posted.
“A true martial genius! Very saddened upon hearing this news tonight. Praying for the Nurmagomedov family at this time.”
UFC president White also expressed his support on social media, writing on Twitter: “Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is a true martial artist who lives a life of pride, honour and respect.
“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.”
