Eight years ago at UFC 223 in Brooklyn, manager Ali Abdel-Aziz ordered Russian journalist Azamat Bostanov to stay away from their team after Bostanov interviewed Artem Lobov following the famous confrontation with Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, Khabib overruled his manager, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdel-Aziz that the journalist was "just doing his work." The account also reveals that 20-30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel entrance when word spread that Conor McGregor's team might arrive, ready to prevent any provocations against Khabib. Despite being exhausted after winning the championship, Khabib spent time with dozens of people in his hotel room, taking photos and speaking via video call with friends and relatives of people he didn't even know. Years later, Khabib still recognized Bostanov on the street and offered him a ride, showing the same approachable personality he had when he first became champion.
