Khabib Nurmagomedov has called on his fans and Russian compatriots to respect the lockdown measures put in place to try and combat the coronavirus.
On Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin announced that self-isolation would remain in place until May 11 at least. Until now, Russia has confirmed more than 93,000 cases of Covid-19, with the death toll surpassing 860.
The UFC’s undefeated lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov is currently in his native Dagestan as he observes the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking to his almost 20 million followers on Instagram late on Tuesday, he wrote in Russian: “In this holy month I would like to appeal to all Dagestanis and to all who know me. Many hoped that this trouble would pass by our house; many still don't believe in the seriousness of the situation.
"However, our negligence 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.”
Nurmagomedov's father, Abdulmanap, was hospitalised earlier this week although he reportedly tested negative for Covid-19. It is believed he is being treated for suspected pneumonia, and is said to be recovering.
Also, Nurmagomedov’s teammate Shamil Zavurov was reported to have taken ill, too.
"Believe me. This disease is deadly and we already feel it,” Nurmagomedov wrote. "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.”
Unbeaten in 28 mixed martial arts bouts, Nurmagomedov was scheduled to take on No 1-ranked challenger Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 earlier this month, but had to withdraw from the fight given travel restrictions in Russia. He last fought in September, at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi, where he defeated Dustin Poirier by third-round submission.
Nurmagomedov, 31, is expected to return to the octagon in September or October, where he will face the winner of next week's interim clash between Ferguson and Justin Gaethje.
