Russian journalist and current MMA manager Azamat Bostanov has shared memories from UFC 223 eight years ago when Khabib Nurmagomedov won the lightweight title. Bostanov recalls that manager Ali Abdel-Aziz initially forbade him from approaching the team after Bostanov interviewed Artem Lobov following the famous altercation with Khabib. However, Khabib intervened, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdel-Aziz that Bostanov was "our guy" who was just doing his job. Bostanov also recounted how 20-30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel entrance ready to confront Conor McGregor's team if they arrived, and how Khabib remained gracious despite exhaustion, taking time to greet and photograph with numerous fans in his hotel room. The journalist emphasized that Khabib remained approachable and kind even after multiple title defenses, once even offering him a ride in Moscow a year after winning the championship.
