Iconic MMA coach Javier Mendez not too long ago mirrored on the legacy of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and the influence he had on his son’s blended martial arts profession.
All through his run as certainly one of Russia’s most achieved fight sports activities coaches, Abdulmanap educated an unimaginable 18 world champions, together with his son Khabib Nurmagomedov who went on to turn out to be some of the dominant and revered fighters in MMA historical past. The Eagle’ captured the UFC light-weight title in 2018 and efficiently defended it 3 times, defeating Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje all through submission.
His struggle with McGregor continues to be the highest-grossing occasion in UFC historical past, bringing in additional than two million pay-per-view buys and a $17 million gate.
Sadly, Abdulmanap didn’t survive to see his Khabib’s closing title protection. He handed away in July 2020 as a consequence of bilateral pneumonia attributable to COVID-19.
Javier Mendez pays tribute to teach Abdulmanap in touching social media submit
Not too long ago, Mendez — who usually educated Khabib alongside Abdulmanap at his American Kickboxing Academy health club in San Jose, California — took to Instagram to pay homage to his fallen good friend and the person behind MMA’s Dagestani invasion.
“From 2012 onward, Khabib trained with me for every fight camp, and Abdulmanap’s confidence in both of us made that possible. In a world where many coaches would be protective of their talents, he freely allowed Khabib to pursue his dreams with me. He never imposed his methods on our training; instead, he trusted that we both knew what needed to be done. I often refer to this as “Father’s Plan,” a testomony to his perception in our journey collectively.
“Abdulmanap was one of the greatest coach’s & great man, and I will always honor his memory,” his submit continued. “His passing as a consequence of COVID-19 was an amazing loss, however his legacy lives on by Khabib & Me and the numerous lives he touched. I carry his classes with me and attempt to uphold the values he instilled in us.
“Rest in peace, Abdulmanap. Your impact will never be forgotten. Your legacy of champions.”
