Abdulmanap and Khabib Nurmagomedov in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
UFC Hall of Fame, Khabib Nurmagomedov He has the nickname of being one of the biggest names in the history of MMA. Owner of an impeccable record, with 29 wins and no defeats, the Russian is one of the record holders for title defenses in the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg), in addition to being involved in the biggest pay-per-view in the history of sport, when beat Conor McGregor in October 2018.
However, the champion's career was almost interrupted long before the first title fight. Soon after beating the Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos, in April 2014, the fighter suffered a series of injuries that kept him away from the octagon for almost two years. During this period, three fights – two against Donald Cerrone and one against Tony Ferguson – were cancelled.
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“It was the most difficult moment of my career. I dominated Rafael dos Anjos, after that I broke my leg. I had ACL surgery. After that, dos Anjos became champion, and I tried to come back. I tore my ACL once again and had another surgery, then I broke my ribs”, recalled the Russian on the British podcast 'Inspire Me'.
The person responsible for making the fighter change his mind was his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. In addition to being a best friend and coach, the coach ensured that one of the sport's most impressive legacies was built.
“He told me, 'You can't give up. When you have a test, you have to show your resistance, if you are resistant. If you are not resistant, you can simply give up. With or without you, I'm going to make someone a UFC champion.' It gave me crazy energy. Like, if my dad wants it, who has to do it if I don't want it? “, he concluded.
K. Nurmagomedov (right) next to his father. Photo: Reproduction / Instagram
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
Died in 2020, as a result of complications caused by Covid-19, Abdulmanap was one of the most respected names in sport in Russia. In the Republic of Dagestan, the coach produced champions in sports such as sambo and wrestling. In MMA, in addition to his son, he was also a mentor to the current lightweight champions (up to 70,3 kg.) of the UFC and Bellator, Islam makhachev e Usman Nurmagomedovrespectively.
Following his death, Khabib retired from the sport in October 2020, in UFC 254, defeating Justin Gaethje by submission with a triangle choke in the second round, defending his title for the third time.
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