Khabib Nurmagomedov Posts Statement, Says “Our Neglect” Has Helped Spread COVID-19

In recent weeks, Khabib Nurmagomedov has acknowledged how important it is for people to self-isolate and to respect restrictions governments have enacted to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Well, it looks like not everyone is doing so in his native Dagestan and in Russia, and the UFC’s lightweight champ is calling on people to change their behavior.

Nurmagomedov urges people to understand the “seriousness” of COVID-19

Recently the undefeated fighter and massive star, shared out the statement below on Instagram (translations via RT).

“Many hoped that this trouble would pass our house by; many still don’t believe in the seriousness of the situation.

“However, our neglect towards the advice and requests of doctors, coupled with the panic that has developed among the people, has led to a high rate of the spread of the disease, worsening an already difficult situation every day.

“This has led to the fact that our hospitals are now overcrowded with patients, there aren’t enough specialists or drugs, and the number of patients is only growing”

“Believe me. This disease is deadly and we already feel it,” Khabib said.

“Staying at home, we can reduce the burden on doctors and hospitals, and perhaps our timely care will save lives.

“Take care of your loved ones, do not let them out of the house unnecessarily.

“May Allah protect us all from all diseases and cure the sick and loved ones all around the world”

View this post on Instagram

Салам Аллейкум Всем – В этот священный месяц хотел бы обратиться ко всем дагестанцам и ко всем кто меня знает. Многие надеялись, что беда обойдет наш дом, многие до сих пор не верят в серьёзность сложившейся ситуации. Однако, наша халатность к советам и просьбам врачей, в купе с создавшейся в народе паникой, привели к высоким темпам распространения болезни, каждодневно усугубляя и без того тяжелое положение, и это привело к тому, что наши больницы сегодня переполнены больными, специалистов и лекарств не хватает, а число больных только растёт. Поверьте мне. Болезнь смертельно опасна и мы это уже чувствуем на себе. Оставшись дома мы сможем снизить нагрузку на врачей и больницы, и может быть, своевременно проявленная нами осторожность, станет причиной спасения чьих-то жизней. Берегите близких, не выпускайте их из дома без нужды. Пусть Аллах убережёт нас всех от всех болезней и вылечит всех больных и близких во всем мире.

A post shared by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov) on Apr 28, 2020 at 10:42am PDT

Khabib’s next fight

Nurmagomedov was booked to fight Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, when the card was still scheduled for April 18th. But, the champ was ultimately stranded in Russia due to a coronavirus travel ban. 

Since then, Ferguson has been rebooked to fight Justin Gaethje on May 9th, and Nurmagomedov has begun observing Ramadan.

The galaxy-class wrestler is expected to face the winner in September.