Khabib Nurmagomedov has not competed in the UFC or anywhere else since 2020. The undefeated hero of Dana White’s promotion said after his victory over Justin Gaethje that this was his last fight. Khabib could not continue his career without the man who brought him into the big sport.

“Mom didn’t want me to fight without my father, I promised that this would be my last fight,” Nurmagomedov said.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov / Photo: © Social networks of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was for Khabib both a father, a coach, and a mentor – in general, perhaps, the main person in life. So it’s not surprising that after his untimely death from coronavirus, the fighter decided to radically change his life.

Nurmagomedov Sr. always tried to be close to his son. However, sometimes insurmountable circumstances intervened. Once, the honored coach of Russia was simply refused to be allowed into the USA for Khabib’s fight…

Don’t care about the rules

In April 2018, Khabib went to New York, where he was supposed to have a match with American Al Iaquinta. Subsequently, it is this fight that will open Nurmagomedov’s path to the ranks of the greats and will allow him to fight such monsters as Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. However, first they had to win.

On the eve of the meeting, it turned out that Khabib had lost his main support. His father, who served as both a coach and moral support for his son, was not allowed into the United States, and without explanation. Nurmagomedov Sr. arrived at the airport, but at passport control he was told that there was something wrong with his visa. He was advised to change his ticket and go to the consulate for clarification. However, diplomats did not help Abdulmanap Magomedovich. On the contrary, they finally confirmed the decision: entry is prohibited.

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov / Photo: © RIA Novosti / Vitaly Timkiv

The coach was not given any explanation. He himself, however, suggested that the whole point was his excessive patriotism. Several times he demonstrated the Russian flag at UFC competitions, not caring about the rules banning the national symbols of our country. Also, his son regularly went to fights wearing a hat instead of a corporate promotion cap. Each time, the Nurmagomedovs simply paid the fines and did not change their principles. But it looks like it backfired.

Khabib’s father also hinted that perhaps the Americans were well aware of the role that his presence plays for Nurmagomedov Jr., which is why they were not allowed in. However, it is unlikely that a fight in the UFC could become a reason to raise the ears of a dozen officials responsible for entry visas.

The ban didn’t hurt

Khabib, however, did not mind the absence of his father. Nurmagomedov dealt with Iaquinta, winning by unanimous decision and winning the UFC lightweight title. In the next three fights, he invariably defended the belt. The athlete’s father said that he might sue the Americans over the visa, but, apparently, nothing came of it. Abdulmanap Magomedovich never came to the match with McGregor in Las Vegas.

But I managed to attend the fight with Dustin Poirier, which took place in Abu Dhabi. This match was the last time father and son were together. Khabib already spent his last fight, against Geydzhi, alone and dedicated it to his father.