Who was Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov? The coach behind his UFC success and fighting legacy

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was the father and coach of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. He was the man who helped build Khabib into the fighter the world came to know. Abdulmanap came from a small village in Dagestan, Russia. From there, he grew into one of the most respected combat sports coaches ever. He trained his son, but he also trained many other champions. His whole life was about hard work, respect, and strong discipline. Even today, his impact is still felt across MMA.

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s early life in Dagestan

Abdulmanap Magomedovich Nurmagomedov was born on December 10, 1962, in a small mountain village called Sildi in Dagestan, Russia. Life there was not easy. People grew up tough. Wrestling was part of daily culture.

As a young man, Abdulmanap trained in freestyle wrestling. Later, he learned judo and sambo, a Russian combat sport.
He also served in the Soviet Army, where he continued training and building his strength.

Over time, he became known as a serious and disciplined athlete. He later earned the respected title of Master of Sports of the USSR in wrestling.

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov as a father and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s first coach

Abdulmanap started training Khabib Nurmagomedov when he was very young. Khabib grew up on wrestling mats and inside training rooms.

His father taught him how to wrestle, how to defend himself, and how to stay calm under pressure.

Abdulmanap was not only Khabib’s dad. He was his main coach. He planned his training. He shaped his style.

He pushed him to work harder than everyone else. Khabib Nurmagomedov has said many times that everything he became in fighting started with his father’s lessons.

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov training champions and building a fighting family

Abdulmanap did not train only his son. He became the head coach of Eagles MMA in Dagestan. Fighters from many places came to learn from him.

He coached world champions in sambo and mixed martial arts. One of them is Islam Makhachev, who later became a UFC champion.

In Russia, Abdulmanap was given the title Honored Coach of Russia. In 2019, he was also listed in the Russian Book of Records for coaching many high-level fighters.

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s death and the legacy he left behind

In March 2020, Abdulmanap became seriously ill after complications from COVID-19. He passed away on July 3, 2020, in Moscow, at the age of 57. His death shocked the MMA world.

After losing his father, Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from MMA. He said he had promised his mother he would stop fighting if his father was gone.

Today, Khabib continues his father’s work by coaching fighters and building gyms.

Abdulmanap’s name still lives through the fighters he trained and the values he taught.

To many people in MMA, he is remembered not just as a coach, but as the man who built a whole fighting family.

Also Read: Ilia Topuria Speaks Out After Court Hearing And Gives Hopeful Update On Daughter With Giorgina Uzcategui Badell




Get the latest WPL 2026 updates including WPL teams, full WPL 2026 schedule, and live scores for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals. Also check the latest WPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.