Conor McGregor briefly put aside his dislike of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov on Wednesday to tweet his concern for Nurmagomedov's ailing father.
McGregor saw news reports that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is in a coma in a Russian hospital and offered prayers for him and his family.
Praying for the recovery of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. A man responsible for more World champions, across multiple fighting disciplines, than we even know.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 13, 2020
A true martial genius!
Very saddened upon hearing this news tonight.
Praying for the Nurmagomedov family at this time 🙏 https://t.co/OVklQphPgN
The elder Nurmagomedov is also the undefeated champion's coach.
The social media post cooled another flareup between the fighters that began with a tweet by Nurmagomedov after UFC 249 early Sunday.
The champion had two words after watching Justin Gaethje defeat Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight belt:
No comment.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) May 10, 2020
Gaethje was in the Octagon because Nurmagomedov couldn't travel out of Russia for the fight amid the coronavirus pandemic.
MORE: Khabib-Gaethje set for 'Fight Island,' Dana White says
McGregor used the tweet to insult Nurmagomedov and challenge Gaethje. (Language warning for the tweet below.)
Justin, there is no danger in a man that hugs legs, we all know. Try and dance around what the real threat is here all you want.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 11, 2020
I am going to fucking butcher you.
Your teeth. I’m going to put them on a fucking necklace.
Speak on my skills as a father?
You are fucking dead.
Khabib you absolute embarrassment. Scurrying, hiding rat as usual. As I have said many times. As has been seen many times. Through the pane of glass it was confirmed what was always known.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 11, 2020
“No comment” lol.
An embarrassment to real fighting.
McGregor also blasted Nurmagomedov's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who manages Gaethje as well.
Don’t ever say you represent the great nation of the United States of America ever again. No true American would speak so highly of, or allow, a convicted member of a Jihadi terror cell represent them.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 11, 2020
Never Forget!
You are a fucking blind fool, and I am going to finish the job.
Khabib, in turn, sent a series of tweets trash-talking McGregor over their 2018 title fight, which Nurmagomedov won handily.
Hug legs? Have you forgot how I knock you down, or you typing tweets drunk? Beat you in striking, parts you up in wrestling, absolutely destroy you in grappling, Made you grab air with your hands, and at the end you gave up. last one, don’t forget your words ‘it’s only business’
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) May 12, 2020
The bout is also remembered for a postfight brawl outside the Octagon. Both fighters were suspended for their roles in it. Months before, McGregor was arrested in Brooklyn, N.Y., after throwing a dolly through a bus window in an attempt to confront Khabib.
Then, in the lead-up to his fight with Khabib, McGregor called Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov a "quivering coward."
