Former journalist recalls Khabib's kindness at UFC 223 title win eight years ago

Azamat Bostanov, now an MMA manager but then a YouTube journalist, recounted his experience covering Khabib Nurmagomedov's UFC 223 championship victory in Brooklyn eight years ago. Despite initial resistance from manager Ali Abdelaziz, who told Bostanov not to approach the team after he had interviewed Artem Lobov following the famous hotel confrontation, Khabib personally welcomed him and said he was just doing his job. Bostanov described how 20-30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel ready to protect Khabib from potential provocations by Conor McGregor's team. After the fight, despite exhaustion, Khabib took time to photograph with fans, placing his championship belt on Bostanov's shoulder. The journalist also recalled Zabyt Magomedsharipov fighting with two broken fingers at the same event without telling the athletic commission. Years later, Khabib still remained approachable, even stopping his car to offer Bostanov a ride when spotting him on the street.