Habib welcomed journalist despite manager's objections at UFC 223

Azamat Bostanov, now an MMA manager, recounted his experience covering Khabib Nurmagomedov's UFC 223 title victory eight years ago in Brooklyn. Bostanov arrived during the infamous Conor McGregor-Artem Lobov confrontation and quickly secured an interview with Lobov that became highly resonant. When Bostanov encountered Ali Abdelaziz and Khabib's team at their hotel, Abdelaziz emotionally told him to stay away from their group. However, Khabib intervened, putting his arm around Bostanov's shoulder and telling Abdelaziz "This is our guy, it's all fine, he's just doing his job." Bostanov also witnessed 20-30 Dagestanis gathering at the hotel entrance after hearing McGregor's team might arrive, ready to protect Khabib from provocations. After the fight, in a packed hotel floor, an exhausted Khabib still took time to photograph with Bostanov, draping his championship belt over the journalist's shoulder and thanking him for his work and support.