💔 “He Built Champions” Khabib’s Father Honored on 5th Anniversary of His Passing
A heartfelt tribute to Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the father and legendary coach of UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov, flooded X (formerly Twitter) today marking five years since his death. But this wasn’t just a memorial.
It was a reminder of the towering legacy he left behind one that shaped Dagestan’s MMA dynasty and helped raise world champions like Khabib and Islam Makhachev.
A Father, A Mentor, A Nation-Builder
Abdulmanap wasn’t just a father to Khabib he was a father figure to an entire generation of Dagestani fighters.
With a background in judo, freestyle wrestling, and combat sambo, his passion for discipline and structure created a blueprint that now dominates global MMA.
He famously coached his son Khabib to a 29-0 undefeated UFC record, and played a key role in Islam Makhachev’s evolution into UFC lightweight champion.
His gym in Dagestan became more than a training facility it became a temple of grit, producing warriors molded in humility, hard work, and loyalty.
Powerful Words Resurface in Emotional Video Clip
The post shared on X includes a moving clip of Abdulmanap addressing students at a financial college in Makhachkala, Dagestan.
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In the video, he calmly delivers a message that echoes louder today than ever before:
“Don’t rely on wealth. Rely on work. An educated man is respected. A hardworking man never goes hungry.”
The message resonated with fans worldwide not only because of his wisdom, but because it reflects the core values he instilled in his fighters.
That clip, originally recorded years ago, now serves as a beacon of motivation in a world craving authenticity.
The Blueprint Behind Dagestan’s Dominance
What Abdulmanap did goes beyond personal coaching.
His impact helped turn Dagestan into a global powerhouse in combat sports, with young boys growing up idolizing not just Khabib, but the structure his father created.
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Islam Makhachev: The Legacy Continues
UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, another student of Abdulmanap, continues to carry his coach’s values into the Octagon.
Known for his calm demeanor and relentless pressure, Islam often credits Abdulmanap for shaping his mindset.
Khabib, who retired shortly after his father’s death, has since become a full-time coach and mentor, passing on the Nurmagomedov philosophy to fighters like Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov, and others under the Eagle MMA banner.
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