Azamat Bostanov recalls Khabib's first UFC title win and aftermath in 2018

Manager Azamat Bostanov shared detailed memories from UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago when Khabib Nurmagomedov became UFC champion. Bostanov recounted how Ali Abdelaziz initially told him to stay away from the team after he interviewed Artem Lobov following the famous bus incident, but Khabib intervened and told Abdelaziz that Bostanov was just doing his job. Bostanov described how 20 to 30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel ready to protect Khabib from potential provocations by Conor McGregor's team. He also revealed that Zabit Magomedsharipov fought with two broken fingers at that event, keeping the injury secret to avoid being pulled by the athletic commission. After the fight, Khabib's hotel floor was packed with people, many of whom he didn't know, but he still took time to greet everyone and pose for photos despite being exhausted. Bostanov emphasized that Khabib remained approachable and kind even years later, recounting how Khabib once stopped his car to offer him a ride in Moscow.