Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the father of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, is reportedly ill with pneumonia and the flu, according to an Instagram post from Dagestani sporting commentator Ramazan Rabanov and subsequent reporting from Russian news media.
A translated version of the caption was published by Russian media outlet RT Sport, which reads, “Almost managed to build a park, took out the trash, planted an alley from new trees, put beautiful benches along the roads, and yesterday didn’t come to the park. Hopefully, the pneumonia doesn’t catch my friend and he comes to the park again.”
Speaking to Championat.com, Rabandov provided more details about Nurmagomedov.
“Abdulmanap lies in Makhachkala, in the second city hospital. Sick in the mountains,” Rabadonov reportedly told the outlet, according to a translation by RT.
“He walked for two days, the brothers barely persuaded to go to the hospital. While coronavirus is not confirmed. They say the flu. No one is allowed to him. The world champion Shamil Zavurov also fell ill. They say there are other sick athletes.”
Notably, Rabadanov says a diagnosis for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has not been made by doctors.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), pneumonia presents in a percentage of mild to moderate cases of the virus, and many of the coronavirus’ symptoms – including fever, fatigue, and cough – can mirror those of the flu, which may have prompted concerns that Nurmagomedov might have the virus.
Rabadanov also revealed that Shamil Zavurov, a 35-year-old lightweight competing for the Dagestani promotion GFC, “also fell ill,” though little detail was provided as to his condition. Zavurov, who has been training with Nurmagomedov as recently as two weeks ago, posted on Instagram yesterday to mark the beginning of the holy period of Ramadan and made no mention of an illness, per a translated version of his comments.
Nurmagomedov, 57, is a renowned Russian MMA coach to his son, Khabib, and a vast stable of other top fighters.
Khabib, who holds a perfect record of 28-0, was most recently set to compete at UFC 249 in an anticipated title fight against top contender Tony Ferguson, but was scratched from the bout, as Russia closed its borders due to COVID-19 considerations after the champion flew home to Dagestan.