Journalist recalls Khabib's kindness after UFC 223 title win eight years ago

Azamat Bostanov, now a fighter manager, shared memories from eight years ago when Khabib Nurmagomedov won the UFC lightweight title at UFC 223 in Brooklyn. Bostanov recounted how manager Ali Abdel-Aziz initially told him to stay away from their team after he interviewed Artem Lobov following the infamous altercation, but Khabib intervened saying "this is our guy, he's just doing his job." Despite being exhausted after winning the championship, Khabib took time to photograph with fans, drape his belt over Bostanov's shoulders, and speak with numerous people in his hotel room, many of whom he didn't know. Bostanov emphasized that even as Khabib's fame grew over subsequent years, he remained approachable and friendly. The journalist recalled a chance encounter a year later when Khabib spotted him on the street and offered him a ride, demonstrating his continued humility despite becoming UFC champion.