Khabib Nurmagomedov has always idolized his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov even when he became the undisputed UFC lightweight champion surrounded by global fame and success.
The close bond between him and his late father is well-known throughout the MMA community. Even after Khabib joined the AKA gym in the USA under trainer Javier Mendez, he didn’t stop taking lessons from his father, who was also his first coach.
However, it wasn’t always the same. Khabib Nurmagomedov recently connected with the PBD podcast and addressed several things about himself, his family, his personal life, and his professional career.
‘The Eagle’ revealed how he had several disagreements with his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov at a young age and when exactly the relationship matured and evolved.
Khabib said, “When I become like 15-16 I become like very close with father. I realised like his system, what he want from me. I understand like everything and we become like very close.”
“Before that, maybe like because of different of age or maybe I was like teenager like I don’t know before that I was like. Of course I was following all his rules but most of the time I was disagreeing with him and like 15-16, I realized there is no freedom of speech between you and your parents.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father accompanied him throughout his UFC career, except at UFC 254. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, unfortunately, passed away in 2020, which disheartened the entire fight world. It seemingly broke down ‘The Eagle’ who appeared in just one fight after that and then never again.
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How Did Khabib Nurmagomedov Perform Without His Father Abdulmanap In The Corner?
Khabib Nurmagomedov fought Justin Gaethje at the main event of UFC 254 on October 24, 2020. Despite not having his father by his side, ‘The Eagle’ didn’t let that get reflected in his performance. The 5-rounds headliner ended in two with Nurmagomedov choking out ‘The Highlight’.
Per the judge’s score, Gaethje beat Khabib in the first round but couldn’t weather the wrestling prowess in round two and suffered a lopsided loss. An emotional Nurmagomedov shed tears inside the cage and vowed to never fight again.
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