Russian journalist and current MMA manager Azamat Bostanov recalls attending UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago when Khabib Nurmagomedov won the lightweight title. After Bostanov interviewed Artem Lobov following the infamous Khabib-Lobov confrontation, manager Ali Abdelaziz told him not to approach their team. However, Khabib stepped in and said "This is our guy, he's just doing his job," allowing Bostanov access. Bostanov also remembers 20-30 Dagestanis gathering at the hotel to protect Khabib from potential Conor McGregor provocations, and that Zabit Magomedsharipov fought with two broken fingers that night without telling anyone. Despite exhaustion after winning the belt, Khabib took photos with fans and spent time with a crowded hotel room full of well-wishers, many of whom he didn't know.
