Ali Abdelaziz Initially Forbade Journalist Contact, but Khabib Overruled Him

Journalist and current fighter manager Azamat Bostanov has shared memories from UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago, when Khabib Nurmagomedov won the lightweight title. Bostanov recounts how manager Ali Abdelaziz initially told him to stay away from their team after he interviewed Artem Lobov following the infamous confrontation with Khabib. However, Khabib intervened, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdelaziz that he was "our guy" who was just doing his job. Bostanov also recalls how 20-30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel entrance ready to prevent any provocations from Conor McGregor's team, and how Khabib remained gracious and accessible despite the chaos surrounding his title win. The account paints a picture of Khabib's character during a pivotal moment in his career, showing warmth and loyalty even amid intense circumstances.