Khabib welcomed journalist despite manager's objection at UFC 223

At UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago, when Khabib Nurmagomedov won the UFC lightweight championship, journalist Azamat Bostanov recalled his experience covering the historic event. Manager Ali Abdel-Aziz initially told Bostanov not to approach their team after he had interviewed Artem Lobov following the famous bus incident. However, Khabib intervened, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdel-Aziz that he was their guy just doing his job. Bostanov also remembered 20-30 Dagestanis gathering at the hotel entrance ready to prevent any provocations from Conor McGregor's team. After the fight, despite being exhausted, Khabib spent time with fans, took photos including draping his championship belt over Bostanov's shoulder, and patiently spoke with numerous people in his hotel room, many of whom he didn't even know.