It has been a tough year for Nurmagomedov, whose father and coach Abdulmanap passed away this summer in the aftermath of covid-19.

Abdulmanap not only trained his son, but was a leading figure for the entire Dagestan region that has been successful in MMA.

Every now and then there were questions about whether Khabib would ever compete again, but the star chose to continue his career in the hope of fulfilling the father's big dream - that the son would reach 30-0 in record and then retire.

The text is updated.