KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV revealed over 20 family members have been sick from coronavirus as his father Abdulmanap remains hospitalised in a “very serious” condition.
The UFC Lightweight Champion was rocked last week when his dad and trainer was rushed to a Moscow hospital after suffering heart complications as a result of the virus.
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Now the 31-year-old Dagestan star has lifted the lid on the devastation caused by the Covid-19 outbreak on those nearest and dearest to him.
During an Instagram live chat overnight, Nurmagomedov confirmed Abdulmanap is still “very serious condition” and explained: “This virus has very seriously affected his heart, since he had a heart operation a year ago.
“He’s had surgery again. He’s in a difficult situation, very difficult.
“We ask Allah to return him to us. Thank you very much to everyone who writes, who sends their support. May Allah help us all.”
Khabib has been in Dagestan more than one month after returning when travel restrictions stopped his title fight against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249.
That has allowed him to witness firsthand the devastation of the virus, with The Eagle adding: ““In my personal case, I’ve had more than 20 people sick from my family.
“More than 20 people were lying in the ICU’s. And many of them are no longer among us.
“Many acquaintances have died, many parents of my relatives. Everybody is having a hard time dealing with it.
“This virus has affected everyone. This virus doesn’t ask what your surname or name is, this virus doesn’t ask where you work, if you are rich or poor. Everyone has gotten ill. We can only overcome this together.”
Several reports emerged in recent days that Abdulmanap had awoken from a medically-induced coma, leading to a huge outpouring of support, including Khabib’s biggest rival Conor McGregor.
A family friend allegedly confirmed to TASS.ru that Abdulmanap suffered a stroke before he was put into a coma.
He was initially diagnosed with pneumonia but is believed to have rejected attempts from family members to receive a coronavirus test.
Then when his condition worsened, he was taken to the military hospital in Russia’s capital last week.
The nation has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and, according to CNN, 142,824 of the country’s 281,752 confirmed cases are in Moscow.
Russia’s official death toll stands at 2,631.
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