In July, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, died due to complications from COVID-19. It was a tragic loss for the MMA community and, in the months since, has left he MMA world has wondering how Absulmanap’s passing may affect the lightweight champion. Well, next weekend the world will find out as Khabib will defend his title against interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. But heading into the fight, Khabib’s head coach Javier Mendez says that though Abdulmanap is no longer in the corner of his son, his presence remains a strong part of their training camp and preparation.
Morning Report: Javier Mendez discusses Khabib Nurmagomedov’s upcoming title defense against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254
