Habib intervened to allow journalist access despite Abdelaziz objection

Azamat Bostanov, now an MMA manager, recounted his experience covering Khabib Nurmagomedov's championship win at UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago. Manager Ali Abdelaziz initially told Bostanov not to approach the team after he interviewed Artem Lobov following the infamous bus incident. However, Khabib intervened, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdelaziz, "This is our guy, he's just doing his work." Bostanov also recalled the immediate aftermath of the Lobov-Khabib confrontation, when 20-30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel entrance after hearing Conor McGregor's team might arrive, ready to prevent any provocations. He described Khabib as consistently gracious with fans and media despite his exhaustion, even allowing strangers in his hotel room to make video calls. Years later, Khabib still recognized and offered Bostanov a ride when spotting him on the street.