Image via AP Photo/ Pavel Golovkin //

Intense…

Everyone was super disappointed when Khabib Nurmagomedov had to pull out of his fight with Tony Ferguson at UFC 249. It was the matchup fans had been waiting for for years, and fans weren’t at all happy even though Khabib’s father was in hospital and travel restrictions had literally trapped him in Dagestan. Now, the 31-year-old champ has given the world a deeper insight into his family’s struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s way more serious than anyone could’ve thought.

Taking to Instagram Live, Khabib confirmed that his father Abdulmanap is still in a “very serious condition”, explaining that “This virus has very seriously affected his heart, since he had a heart operation a year ago”.

It doesn’t look too great, with Khabib elaborating “He’s had surgery again. He’s in a difficult situation, very difficult. We ask Allah to return him to us. Thank you very much to everyone who writes, who sends their support. May Allah help us all.”

That’s just the tip of the iceberg though, with the champ adding  “In my personal case, I’ve had more than 20 people sick from my family. More than 20 people were lying in the ICU’s. And many of them are no longer among us. Many acquaintances have died, many parents of my relatives. Everybody is having a hard time dealing with it”.

That’s definitely way more serious than anyone expected, and it makes perfect sense why The Eagle would put his family first during these trying times.

“This virus has affected everyone. This virus doesn’t ask what your surname or name is, this virus doesn’t ask where you work, if you are rich or poor. Everyone has gotten ill. We can only overcome this together,” Khabib said. It seems like this togetherness is extending into the UFC community as well, with Khabib’s biggest rival and nemesis Conor McGregor tweeting his support.

Praying for the recovery of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. A man responsible for more World champions, across multiple fighting disciplines, than we even know.
A true martial genius!
Very saddened upon hearing this news tonight.
Praying for the Nurmagomedov family at this time 🙏 https://t.co/OVklQphPgN

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 13, 2020

Russie has definitely been hit hard by the virus, currently having 281,752 cases,  with 142,824 being in Moscow.

Best wishes to Khabib and his family, no doubt the world will be cheering when they all enter the Octagon one more time. Check out Khabib’s full statement below.