Khabib's father dies after COVID-19 complications

Khabib Nurmagomedov's father, Abdulmanap, has died in Moscow, the UFC lightweight champion's manager confirmed Friday.

"We've lost our backbone," manager Ali Abdelaziz told ESPN's Brett Okamoto. "He was a father, coach, brother, an icon. Things will never be the same without him."

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was placed in a medically induced coma in May due to heart complications brought on by the COVID-19 virus. Khabib said his father had been cleared of the virus in June but remained in serious condition up until his death.

The legendary MMA trainer, who is also Khabib's longtime coach, was initially hospitalized in Dagestan in April for suspected pneumonia. He was later transferred to a hospital, where he underwent heart surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma twice during his recovery.

Khabib has been expected to defend his lightweight belt against Justin Gaethje in the fall. The champion said in June that he still planned to do so despite his father's condition.