MMA manager Azamat Bostanov shared memories from UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago when Khabib Nurmagomedov became champion. Bostanov recounted how Ali Abdelaziz initially told him to stay away from their team after he interviewed Artem Lobov following the legendary confrontation with Khabib, but Khabib intervened saying "This is our guy, he's just doing his work." He described how 20-30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel ready to protect Khabib from potential provocations by Conor's team. Bostanov also revealed that Zabit Magomedsharipov fought with two broken fingers at that event, hiding the injury to avoid being pulled by the athletic commission. After the fights, despite being exhausted, Khabib spent time with crowds of people, took photos, and spoke with everyone via video calls. Years later, Khabib remained unchanged, once even stopping his vehicle on the street to greet Bostanov and offer him a ride.
