Islam Makhachev expresses grief over the death of his coach on the eve of UFC 322.

A. Nurmagomedov (left) was responsible for the successes of I. Makhachev (center) and K. Nurmagomedov. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Islam Makhachev could make history at UFC 322 by facing Jack Della Maddalena in the main event, with the chance to win another belt. However, the Russian will unfortunately have to go through another great moment in his career without the presence of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib's father and the most important coach in the former lightweight champion's (up to 70,3 kg) career in combat sports, something deeply felt by the athlete.

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Having passed away in 2020 as a victim of Covid-19, Abdulmanap was unable to see his pupil reach the top of the most populous category in MMA. Even five years later, Makhachev spoke about missing his mentor in an interview with former fighter Josh Thompson, on the 'Weighing in' podcast this Monday (10). According to him, there was a specific moment in which Nurmagomedov's absence was felt more strongly.

“It’s just one moment in my life that I miss: when I won the belt, I couldn’t give it to my coach, Abdulmanap. When I was a kid, nobody knew me, zero fights. He gave me the motivation to be a champion,” said Makhachev, who has a photo with his coach on his Instagram profile.

Islam Makhachev says the only moment he truly misses is not being able to hand the belt to his coach Abdulmanap

“It's just one moment in my life that I missed – when I won the belt, I couldn't give it to my coach Abdulmanap. When I was a kid, nobody knew me, zero fights. He… pic.twitter.com/bPCIoSJSbV

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 10, 2025

Islam Makhachev was trained by Khabib's father.

Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov are icons in the UFC lightweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

A specialist in sambo and judo, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was one of the most respected and successful coaches in all of Russia. After retiring from competition and becoming a full-time coach, he helped train nearly 20 world champions in combat sambo, wrestling, and MMA. According to Khabib, Islam was always his favorite student.

After finishing Charles Oliveira and winning the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg), the Russian dedicated the victory to his late coach, saying that thanks to him he had reached where he was today.

“This is for my coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Many years ago he told me: just train hard and you will be a champion. I know that he (Khabib) and his father made me who I am,” he stated at the time.

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