Khabib overruled manager to welcome journalist after Lobov incident

Azamat Bostanov recalls events surrounding UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago, when Khabib Nurmagomedov won the lightweight title. After Bostanov interviewed Artem Lobov following Lobov's confrontation with Khabib, manager Ali Abdel-Aziz told him not to approach their team. However, Khabib intervened, saying "This is our guy, he's just doing his work" and welcomed the journalist. Bostanov also describes 20-30 Dagestanis gathering at the hotel to protect Khabib from potential provocations by Conor McGregor's team. After the victory, Khabib spent time with a crowded hotel room full of well-wishers, many of whom he didn't know, patiently greeting everyone and taking calls despite being exhausted.