Published 02/09/2023, 2:25 PM EST
After more than 2 years of his passing, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov‘s legacy continues to live on through the current generation of Dagestani fighters. While UFC champion Islam Makhachev seems to be the most prominent name among his current proteges, others including Bellator champ Usman Nurmagomedov, and UFC bantamweight Umar Nurmagomedov have also made their mark in the sport. Now as the 31-year-old heads into UFC 284, notably without Khabib Nurmagomedov by his side, the lightweight champ clearly seems to be in a reminiscent mood hours before the biggest fight of his career.
Makhachev on Twitter, shared a throwback photo of him, Khabib, and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov from back in the pre-UFC days, expressing his wish that the late coach should have been present as he defends his title for the first time.
Islam Makhachev shares a photo of Abdulamap Nurmagomedov wishing he could witness his success
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The Lightweight champion followed the photo with a caption that displayed his admiration for the successful Sambo coach. “I wish our coach could witness this days. He would be proud.” Read the tweet below.
Fans of the legendary coach were quick to react to the tweet. Some fondly remembered him while others commended Makhachev, claiming that the late father of Khabib Nurmagomedov would definitely be proud of his achievements.
Many of the tweets were words of encouragement and support for the Lightweight champ and homages for Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Since UFC 284 is right around the corner, fans of the lightweight champ showed their support too
There were a couple of Conor McGregor fans as well.
The one tweet that stood out was someone talked about Makhachev retiring just like his friend Khabib Nurmagomedov did.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is considered by many, one of the most decorated coaches in combat sports. Before his son and now UFC Hall of Famer, Khabib Nurmagomedov made it into mainstream culture, the senior Nurmagomedov was already a successful coach.
The legacy of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father as a coach
Impressively, throughout his career, Abdulmanap had trained a total of 18 world champions under him in different fields. Along with multiple MMA and Sambo fighters, the legendary coach also guided a few wrestlers to Olympic and world championship medals during his life.
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Sadly, after propelling his son to the heights of MMA stardom, Nurmagomedov passed away on April 2020 reportedly due to Covid 19 complications. He was 57 years old at the time of his demise. Following this, Khabib Nurmagomedov famously retired after his fight at UFC 254 but made sure that his father’s plan continued to live on.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (L) with his son Khabib Nurmagomedov sharing a moment.
Now as we close in on fight night, Islam Makhachev represents the legacy of the famous coach and the work ethic that he laid down for the fighters under him. Whether one is a fan of Makhachev or Alexander Volkanovski, there is no denying that it’s without the great Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, all of these wouldn’t have been possible.
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