Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s fingerprints are all over his son’s preparation for UFC 254.
The father of lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov died in July, leaving behind a legacy that includes coaching the younger Nurmagomedov to a 28-0 pro record and a spot alongside the best to ever compete in MMA. On Saturday in Abu Dhabi, Nurmagomedov defends his title against Justin Gaethje in what will be his first fight since his father’s passing.
American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez has been the man in Nurmagomedov’s corner during his climb up the UFC ladder and though he and Abdulmanap were only able to corner Khabib together once, he can’t emphasize enough how important Abdulmanap’s influence has been on Nurmagomedov’s career.