Khabib defied manager's orders to welcome Russian journalist at UFC 223

Azamat Bostanov, now a fighter manager, has shared memories from UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago when Khabib Nurmagomedov won the UFC title. Bostanov recalls that after he interviewed Artem Lobov following the famous confrontation with Khabib, manager Ali Abdel-Aziz told him not to approach their team. However, Khabib intervened, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdel-Aziz that he was "our guy" just doing his job. After the victory over Al Iaquinta, Khabib took time to greet a crowded hotel floor of supporters despite being exhausted, posed for photos with the championship belt, and spoke with numerous well-wishers via video calls. Bostanov also revealed that Zabit Magomedsharipov broke two fingers during his warm-up at the same event but didn't report it to avoid being pulled from his fight, which he went on to win. Years later, Khabib recognized Bostanov on a Moscow street and offered him a ride.