Khabib shares throwback video of wrestling his late dad as emotional UFC star says ‘it was the best time, father’
UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has shared an emotional video of him wrestling his late father on social media.
The 32-year-old’s dad Abdulmanap passed away in July after complications caused from coronavirus.
Abdulmanap – who coached his son to UFC glory – had been in hospital after suffering a heart-attack and pneumonia brought on by Covid-19.
Khabib held the inaugural MMA event in Russia in honour of his father in September.
And Khabib – who announced his retirement from MMA after beating Justin Gaethje – has posted a video on Instagram of him wrestling with his hero.
In the clip you can see Khabib try and get his dad to the ground, but the experienced Abdulmanap laughed as his son failed to get the better of him.
Captioning the video, the unbeaten Russian said, ‘It was the best time, Father’ followed by a love heart emoji.
His 25.5 million followers were to quick to comment on his post, as one said: “Manap is the only one who could inflict the first defeat on Khabib.”
Another messaged: “You and your father have truly inspired me for years now. Much love.”
A third added: “Khabib, he is always by your side.”
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Meanwhile one simply stated: “World’s best dad.”
Khabib failed to contain his emotions after choking Gaethje unconscious in the second round.
The 29-0 fighter broke down in tears inside the octagon before stating he cannot continue without his dad alongside him.
Speaking immediately after his victory, he said: “Today, I want to say this is my last fight.
“When UFC called me about Justin, I spoke with my mother and I said I wouldn’t fight without father.
“And if I give my word, then I must follow it. UFC must make me No1 pound for pound fighter in the world, because I deserve it.”