Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (photo via Anatomy of a Fighter / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

According to reports, Khabib Nurmagomedov has confirmed that his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, is no longer COVID-19 positive. But, the UFC’s lightweight champ has also reported his father still faces a long and difficult recovery.

The renowned coach has been in a Russian medical facility for several weeks now, after contracting the coronavirus and suffering complications from the virus. At one point, Nurmagomedov was in critical condition and in a coma, but recently he has been improving.

More recently, Khabib appeared on Russian TV, and he reportedly said the following about his father’s condition (quotes via RT).

“His condition is still serious, he’s still in intensive care,” said the undefeated fighter.

“The coronavirus itself is behind him, but the virus has had consequences for his kidneys and his heart.

“As for the virus, there’s no need to worry, only about the other consequences.”

“I visit him, he recognizes me, but there’s no communication because he’s connected to [medical] devices.

“Every day they let me in, I spend half an hour [with him], I hold his hand.

“When I ask: ‘Father, do you recognize me?’ He gestures and lets me know.”

“These are some of the best doctors in the world… I have no concerns [about my father’s care], many thanks to them.

“In that respect, all’s well. It takes time, because the consequences are very difficult, and the rehabilitation period will be long and tough”.

Khabib is expected to fight interim lightweight champ Justin Gaethje later this year, likely in September. Nurmagomedov hasn’t fought since September, when he submitted Dustin Poirier.