Russian journalist and current MMA manager Azamat Bostanov shared detailed memories from UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago when Khabib Nurmagomedov won the lightweight title. Bostanov recounted how manager Ali Abdel-Aziz initially told him to stay away from the team after he interviewed Artem Lobov following the infamous confrontation with Khabib, but Khabib intervened, saying "This is our guy, he's just doing his work." He described a crowd of 20-30 Dagestanis gathering at the hotel ready to protect Khabib from any Conor McGregor provocations. Despite being exhausted after his title victory over Al Iaquinta, Khabib took time to photograph with fans, let Bostanov wear his championship belt, and spoke with everyone who video-called him through others' phones. Bostanov also revealed that Zabit Magomedsharipov broke two fingers during warm-ups but told no one to avoid being pulled from his fight on that same card. Years later, Khabib still recognized and offered Bostanov a ride, showing his consistent humble character.
