Habib Nurmagomedov welcomed journalist after manager tried to bar him

Azamat Bostanov, now a fighter manager, recalled his experience covering Khabib Nurmagomedov's UFC 223 title win in Brooklyn eight years ago. When Bostanov arrived, the famous Artem Lobov confrontation with Khabib had just occurred, and he quickly secured an interview with Lobov that became resonant. Manager Ali Abdel-Aziz initially told Bostanov emotionally not to approach their team, but Khabib intervened, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdel-Aziz that he was "our guy" just doing his job. Bostanov described large groups of Dagestanis gathering at the hotel to protect Khabib from potential Conor McGregor provocations. He also shared that Zabit Magomedsharipov fought with two broken fingers that he hid from the athletic commission to avoid being pulled from the card. After the event, despite being exhausted, Khabib spent time with a huge crowd at his hotel, taking photos, talking to strangers via video calls, and showing appreciation to everyone who supported him.