Khabib welcomed journalist despite manager's objection at UFC 223

Azamat Bostanov, now a fighter manager, recalls his experience as a journalist at UFC 223 eight years ago when Khabib Nurmagomedov became champion. Manager Ali Abdel-Aziz told Bostanov not to approach their team after he interviewed Artem Lobov following the infamous bus incident. However, Khabib overruled his manager, put his arm around Bostanov, and told Abdel-Aziz that he was their guy just doing his job. Bostanov also recounts how 20-30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel entrance prepared to prevent any provocations from Conor McGregor's team. After the fight, despite being exhausted, Khabib took time to photograph with fans, drape his championship belt over Bostanov's shoulders, and speak with every person who wanted his attention, including strangers in his hotel room.