Several weeks ago, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was transported from his native Dagestan to a military hospital in Moscow after falling ill with pneumonia and flu-like symptoms. As his condition worsened, the renowned coach suffered a heart attack and underwent surgery before being placed in a medically induced coma. Now it appears that Abdulmanap’s illness was brought on by COVID-19.
Abdulmanap, who is the father of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, remains in critical condition following the surgery, and was reportedly intubated and placed on a ventilator. His illness and subsequent relocation to a hospital in Moscow highlights the growing concerns in Dagestan surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, and whether the impoverished republic will become an epicentre for the potentially deadly disease.