Azamat Bostanov recalls Khabib's 2018 title win and humble demeanor at UFC 223

MMA manager Azamat Bostanov shared detailed memories from eight years ago when Khabib Nurmagomedov won the UFC lightweight championship at UFC 223 in Brooklyn against Al Iaquinta. Bostanov recounted being initially warned away by Ali Abdelaziz but welcomed by Khabib, who told his manager 'This is our guy, he's just doing his job.' He described 20-30 Dagestanis gathering at the hotel to protect Khabib from potential provocations from Conor McGregor's team after the infamous bus attack incident. Bostanov revealed that Zabit Magomedsharipov fought on that card with two broken fingers that he hid from the athletic commission to avoid being pulled from the bout. Despite exhaustion after winning the title, Khabib spent hours with well-wishers, taking photos and speaking with strangers calling their relatives. Years later, Khabib remained approachable, once spotting Bostanov on the street and offering him a ride.