Khabib overruled Abdel-Aziz to support Russian journalist at UFC 223

Russian journalist and current MMA manager Azamat Bostanov recalls his experience covering Khabib Nurmagomedov's championship win at UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago. After interviewing Artem Lobov following the infamous altercation with Khabib, Bostanov was confronted by manager Ali Abdel-Aziz who told him to stay away from their team. However, Khabib personally intervened, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdel-Aziz, "This is our guy, he's just doing his job." Bostanov describes the massive crowd of Dagestani supporters at the hotel ready to prevent any provocations from Conor McGregor's team. Despite being exhausted after winning the title, Khabib took time to greet fans, take photos, and speak with well-wishers who crowded his hotel floor and room, many of whom he didn't even know.