Conor McGregor ‘praying’ for fierce rival Khabib and father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov as he ‘wakes from coma’

CONOR McGREGOR has wished a speed recovery to the father of arch-rival Khabib Nurmagomedov and revealed he is "praying" for the family.

The UFC lightweight champ's dad Abdulmanap was reportedly in critical condition with pneumonia and placed in a coma before waking up on Thursday.

MMA coach Abdulmanap, 57, received a host of well wishes online, but none more surprising than McGregor, who was beaten by Khabib in October 2018 and has remained in a bitter feud with the unbeaten champ ever since.

McGregor, 31, tweeted: "Praying for the recovery of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

"A man responsible for more world champions, across multiple fighting disciplines, than we even know.

"A true martial genius! Very saddened upon hearing this news tonight.

"Praying for the Nurmagomedov family at this time."

It comes just days after McGregor blasted "scurrying, hiding rat" Khabib as he also claimed the 31-year-old will "bottle" out of defending his belt against newly crowned interim champion Justin Gaethje.

But it appears the Irishman has put rivalry aside to pay respect to Abdulmanap, who is in a Moscow military hospital after being taken from Dagestan to the Russian capital via a “special flight”.

Abdulmanap's health battle was made public when his close friend and sports commentator Ramazan Rabadanov revealed the news last month.

The influential trainer was wished a speedy recovery from UFC president Dana White in a statement released by the UFC.

White said: "Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is a true martial artist who lives a life of pride, honor and respect.

"He instilled those same values in his son, world champion Khabib, at an early age and was always in his corner throughout his career.

"I know how close Khabib is with his father and I’m saddened to hear about his current state. My thoughts are with Abdulmanap and the Nurmagomedov family as he continues to fight."