Ali Abdelaziz initially barred journalist, but Nurmagomedov intervened after UFC 223

Manager Ali Abdelaziz attempted to prevent journalist Azamat Bostanov from approaching their team following an interview Bostanov conducted with Artem Lobov after the infamous bus incident before UFC 223. However, Khabib Nurmagomedov overruled Abdelaziz, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling his manager that Bostanov was one of their people just doing his job. Bostanov recalled how 20-30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel entrance after hearing Conor McGregor's team might arrive, ready to prevent any provocations. After winning the lightweight title by defeating Al Iaquinta, Nurmagomedov graciously posed with Bostanov despite being exhausted, letting him wear the championship belt. Bostanov also revealed that Zabit Magomedsharipov broke two fingers during his warm-up at UFC 223 but chose not to tell anyone so the athletic commission wouldn't cancel his fight, ultimately competing and winning anyway.