Khabib’s dad ‘improving’ after waking from coma as his coronavirus scare motivates UFC champ son to train twice a day
KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV’S dad has woken up from his coma and is “improving”. The UFC star has taken “motivation” from his dad’s recovery from critical illness and is training twice a day ahead of his own return, his manager has confirmed. Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap, was reported to be unable to talk last month but can now […]
KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV’S dad has woken up from his coma and is “improving”.
The UFC star has taken “motivation” from his dad’s recovery from critical illness and is training twice a day ahead of his own return, his manager has confirmed.
Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap, was reported to be unable to talk last month but can now open his eyes and respond “a little bit”, Ali Abdelaziz said.
Abdulmanap, who has been a pivotal member of son Khabib’s training team, was believed to have fallen ill with coronavirus last month before being placed in a medically induced coma.
He is receiving treatment in a Moscow hospital after being taken from Dagestan via a “special flight”.
Abdelaziz told ESPN: “Khabib is very strong, his family is very strong and his father is very strong.
“He’s improving. He opened his eyes, responding a little bit. Good sign. Allah is in control.
“We have faith he will be better, but at the end of the day, it’s completely up to his health whether it progresses or not.
“But he’s progressing, and we’re very happy about this.”
Abdelaziz also talked about a potential fight between lightweight champion Khabib and interim title holder Justin Gaethje, which Dana White wants to arrange for September.
The manager, who looks after Gaethje as well, said Nurmagomedov intends to unify the title in the near future and is working hard towards it.
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He added: “I think Khabib’s father being sick has motivated him more.
“He’s training every day, two times a day. He’s in camp already. Me and him were talking and I said, ‘hey, get your mind off, do what you need to do’.
“He’s always training. He’s a true mixed martial artist. Same with Gaethje. They are both great guys and they want to fight. It’s a dream fight.”