Khabib Nurmagomedov is set to defend his belt for the third time and returns to the city where he last defended his belt against Dustin Poirier at UFC 242. At UFC 254, he will face arguably his toughest test to date in Justin Gaethje. However, this time around there is a huge unfillable void in both his personal life and training camp. 

It is very well documented that Khabib Nurmagomedov was extremely close to his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. The patriarch was a stalwart in the Dagestani MMA scene.

He is one of the pioneers who has coached and inspired many fighters from the region. Most notable among these was his son and lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Nurmagomedov family patriarch recently passed away, which has been a tough loss for the ‘The Eagle’ and could play a role in his fight camp.  

Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks about losing his father

In the build-up to UFC 254, the media asked Khabib about how difficult it would be to prepare for a fight without having his father in his corner. An understandably annoyed Khabib replied, “I don’t understand when people ask me how difficult for you train without father. Of course, this is difficult. I don’t understand why you guys keep asking me this. This is very difficult….. I am human too you know, of course, it is difficult.”

The UFC lightweight champion goes into his first fight without his father, who was his coach from day one. It will be a challenge that he must overcome. However, based on his words he is taking it in his stride and no matter how tough it is proving to be. 

Given how close Khabib was to his father, there were fears that the 28-0 fighter might not enter the octagon at all. Let alone within a few months after the tragic event. However, Khabib is back and will strive to do all he can to honor his father, as he aims to defend his belt against ‘The Highlight’. 

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Do you think the loss of his father will play a significant role in Khabib’s performance against Gaethje? Or will Javier Mendez ensure that ‘The Eagle’ remains undefeated inside the octagon?