Khabib Nurmagomedov welcomed Russian journalists despite manager's objections at UFC 223

Eight years ago at UFC 223 in Brooklyn, Khabib Nurmagomedov won the lightweight championship against Al Iaquinta. According to journalist Azamat Bostanov's recollection, manager Ali Abdel-Aziz initially told Russian media to stay away from their team following the Artem Lobov incident. However, Khabib overruled this, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdel-Aziz that he was "our guy, just doing his work." After winning the title, an exhausted Khabib still made time for fans and media, allowing photos with his championship belt and speaking with everyone despite not knowing many people in his hotel room. Bostanov also recalls that 20-30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel entrance prepared to prevent any provocations from Conor McGregor's team. Zabit Magomedsharipov fought on the same card after breaking two fingers during his warm-up but kept it secret to avoid being pulled by the athletic commission.