UFC pay tribute to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s late father as the star’s manager denies lightweight champ has retired

UFC paid tribute to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s late father as the star’s manager denied he had retired.

The Dagestani fighter’s dad, Abdulmanap, passed away earlier this month in Moscow after a battle with coronavirus aged 57.

He had been in an induced coma following a heart attack he suffered after contracting the disease.

As well as training his undefeated son, Abdulmanap was regarded as one of the best wrestling and sambo coaches.

And UFC decided to honour his memory with an on-screen tribute to him at the start of UFC 251.

Earlier in the night the lightweight champion’s manager Ali Abdelaziz played down reports Khabib was ready to walk away from the fight game after the loss of his dad.

He said via social media: “Some of the Russian media reported I said Khabib is retired. This is absolutely false.

“Khabib is grieving with his father passing away. I want everyone to be respectful to the situation and don’t give fake news. 

“Whatever Khabib wants I will support 100%.

“He is my brother, there’s a lot more important things in life than fighting. God bless you.”

Khabib is expected to face Justin Gaethje later this year to determine the undisputed UFC lightweight king.

But UFC president Dana White says Khabib will be given plenty of time to grieve and got over his loss. 

He said: “It’s terrible. We feel horrible for Khabib and how much he loves his father and how close they were.

“[We’re] just giving him time to mourn and do whatever he needs to do.

“We’re not bothering him at all right now. We’re just leaving him alone.”

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