Khabib Nurmagomedov pulls out of fight with Justin Gaethje

Khabib Nurmagomedov was due to headline UFC 253 against Justin Gaethje in September but has now pulled out of the fight following his father's death earlier this month.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has pulled out of his fight with Justin Gaethje at UFC 253.

The UFC superstar had been due to headline the event on September 19 with reigning champion Nurmagomedov coming up against interim titleholder Gaethje.

But following the death of his father Abdulmanap in early July, his manager Rizvan Magomedov has confirmed he will not be competing.

"Khabib will not take part in this tournament," Magomedov said.

Nurmagomedov's coach and father tragically passed away aged 58 due to complications suffered after contracting coronavirus.

The 31-year-old's last fight was on September 7, 2019, in which he defended his title in a duel with American Dustin Poirier.