Azamat Bostanov, now an MMA manager, recalled his experience covering Khabib Nurmagomedov's UFC 223 title win in Brooklyn eight years ago. After interviewing Artem Lobov following the infamous confrontation with Khabib, Bostanov encountered manager Ali Abdelaziz, who emotionally told him not to approach their team. However, Khabib intervened, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdelaziz, "This is our guy, he's just doing his work." Bostanov also recalled that 20-30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel entrance when word spread that Conor McGregor's team might arrive, ready to prevent any provocations toward Khabib. After the fight, despite being exhausted, Khabib took time to photograph with fans, draped his championship belt over Bostanov's shoulder, and spoke with numerous people via video calls in his crowded hotel room.
