Khabib protected journalist from Abdel-Aziz at UFC 223

Azamat Bostanov, now an MMA manager, recounted his experience as a journalist covering Khabib Nurmagomedov's UFC 223 championship win eight years ago in Brooklyn. After interviewing Artem Lobov following his confrontation with Khabib, Bostanov encountered manager Ali Abdel-Aziz at the hotel, who angrily told him not to approach their team. However, Khabib intervened by putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdel-Aziz that he was their guy just doing his job. Bostanov also recalled 20-30 Dagestanis gathering at the hotel entrance to protect Khabib from potential provocations from Conor McGregor's team. After winning the belt, despite being exhausted, Khabib spent time with the large crowd on his hotel floor, taking photos and speaking with everyone, including strangers making video calls. Years later, Khabib recognized Bostanov on the street and offered him a ride.