Khabib Nurmagomedov (right) with his father Abdulmanap (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Now that Khabib Nurmagomedov has retired, Luke Rockhold’s reporting his friend wants to create a legacy in coaching, just like his father, Abdulmanap.

Prior to his tragic passing last year, on account of complications stemming from COVID-19, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in mixed-martial-arts. After Khabib defeated Justin Gaethje last October at UFC 254, the now former lightweight champ reported he had told his mother, after his father’s death, it would be his last fight.

Recently Rockhold spoke with TMZ Sports, and while discussing Khabib’s plans for life after fighting, the former middleweight champ said this (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“He’s assuming this coaching role now. He’s going off on me, wanting to coach me. He wants to be a big part of my comeback so it’s pretty funny to see Khabib assume this role,” Rockhold said. “He’s going for Coach of the Year. That’s what he wants. He wants to be the next great thing, follow in his dad’s footsteps. That’s what his dad always did. His dad was always insightful and always had a good eye for the sport and I think Khabib is ready to assume that role.”

“Of course he can be a good coach. It’s like, sometimes you have to put yourself aside. Even if you know a lot, it’s better to be guided, like a mindless training if you trust in your coach, someone to direct you and put you in the right way, because no matter how much you know, sometimes you’ve got to step back and let somebody else direct the situation.”

Rockhold (16-5) is hoping to return to the Octagon this summer, at middleweight, after dealing with injuries in recent months. The 36-year-old hasn’t fought since July, 2019, when he was KO’d by current light heavyweight champ, Jan Blachowicz.