Khabib: Father free of COVID-19, but still in serious condition

Khabib Nurmagomedov's father, Abdulmanap, has been cleared of the coronavirus but remains in serious condition, the UFC lightweight champion said Monday.

"He is in intensive care," Khabib told Channel One Russia, according to MMA Junkie's Nolan King. "The coronavirus is gone, but the infection has left consequences on the kidneys and on the heart.

"... He recognizes me, but there is no (verbal) communication, because he is under the hospital devices. Every day, I visit him for half an hour, hold his hand, talk. He gestures to understand that he recognizes me."

The 31-year-old is confident his father will recover through a difficult rehabilitation program.

"I am sure of the doctors, they are one of the best in the world, I have no doubt," Khabib said. “Thanks so much for everything they do. In this regard, everything is very good. It just takes time, because the consequences are very difficult and the rehabilitation period will be difficult and long."

Abdulmanap, who is also Khabib's longtime coach, was initially hospitalized in Dagestan in late April for suspected pneumonia. The 57-year-old was later transferred to a Moscow hospital, where he underwent heart surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma twice.

Khabib is expected to defend his 155-pound title against Justin Gaethje in the fall. "The Eagle" said plans for that bout remain the same despite his father's condition. He's been training every day as a distraction from everything that's happening.