Nurmagomedov showed warmth to journalist despite manager's objections in 2018

Azamat Bostanov, now a fighter manager, recalled his experience covering Khabib Nurmagomedov's UFC 223 championship victory in Brooklyn eight years ago. Bostanov had interviewed Artem Lobov after the famous bus incident, which made manager Ali Abdelaziz tell him not to approach their team. However, Khabib overruled this, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdelaziz 'This is our guy, he's just doing his work.' Bostanov witnessed 20-30 Dagestanis gathering at the hotel entrance ready to protect Khabib from potential provocations by Conor McGregor's team. He also revealed that Zabit Magomedsharipov broke two fingers during his warm-up but fought anyway without telling the athletic commission. After winning the belt, Khabib spent time with the massive crowd at his hotel, taking photos, giving attention to strangers in his room, and video-calling their relatives despite being exhausted. Years later, Khabib still recognized Bostanov on the street and offered him a ride, demonstrating his continued down-to-earth nature despite becoming champion.