UFC star Khabib snaps at journalist for asking about late father who died from coronavirus ahead of Justin Gaethje fight

UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov snapped at a journalist who asked about the death of his father.

The reigning lightweight title-holder hit out after questions about his dad's passing.

Khabib's father, legendary UFC trainer Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, died at the age of 57 after contracting Covid-19 in July.

The Russian champ told the reporter who had enquired about how he was after Abdulmanap's death: "I don't understand why you guys keep asking me this... what do you think?"

Unbeaten Khabib, who was trained by his father, was speaking ahead of the defence of his title against Justin Gaethje on October 24.

He said: "I don’t understand when people ask me "how difficult for you to train without your father?

"Of course this is difficult, I don’t understand why you guys keep asking me this. This is very difficult. 

"What do you think, do you have your father? If something happened with him, what do you think, it’s going to be difficult for you or easy? I am human too, of course it is very difficult."

The Russian has recently spoken about his battle with depression.

Khabib plans to knock down Gaethje in three rounds.

American Gaethje was superb as he beat Tony Ferguson in three rounds to pave the way for his title clash with Khabib.

Khabib has vowed to fulfil his late father's wish for him to take on UFC legend Georges St-Pierre before retiring from the sport.