Azamat Bostanov, now a fighter manager, recalled his experience as a journalist at UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago when Habib Nurmagomedov became UFC champion. After Bostanov interviewed Artem Lobov following the famous pre-fight confrontation with Habib, manager Ali Abdel-Aziz told him not to approach their team. However, Habib overruled his manager, putting his arm around Bostanov and saying "This is our guy, he's just doing his work." Bostanov also recalled 20-30 Dagestanis gathering at the hotel entrance ready to prevent any provocations from Conor McGregor's team. After the fight, Habib spent time with a crowded hotel floor full of people, many of whom he didn't know, taking photos and letting Bostanov wear his championship belt. Bostanov also noted that Zabit Magomedsharipov broke two fingers during his warm-up but didn't tell anyone to avoid being pulled from the card. Years later, Habib randomly saw Bostanov on the street and offered him a ride, demonstrating his continued kindness.
