Khabib welcomed journalist against Ali Abdelaziz's wishes after UFC 223

Eight years ago at UFC 223 in Brooklyn, Khabib Nurmagomedov won the lightweight championship by defeating Al Iaquinta. Journalist Azamat Bostanov recalled that manager Ali Abdelaziz told him not to approach their team after Bostanov had interviewed Artem Lobov following the infamous bus attack incident. However, Khabib overruled Abdelaziz, putting his arm around Bostanov and saying "This is our guy, it's okay, he's just doing his job." Bostanov also remembered how 20-30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel entrance in case Conor McGregor's team arrived, and how Zabit Magomedsharipov broke two fingers during his warm-up but competed anyway without telling the athletic commission. After the event, despite being exhausted, Khabib spent time with every fan in his hotel, even those he didn't know, taking photos and video calls to congratulate well-wishers.