Part 2/7:
Khabib’s retirement was not merely a response to the culmination of a successful fighting career; it was a reaction to a profound personal loss. Abdulmanap was more than just a coach to Khabib; he was a father, a mentor, and the bedrock of his entire existence in the sport. As Khabib revealed, the void left by his father’s absence was immense, intensifying his struggle as he transitioned from fighting to coaching. “When he passed, I think Khabib lost something—not just a father, but more than a father,” echoed one observer, capturing the emotional weight behind Khabib's decision to step back from the sport.