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

Azamat Bostanov, now a fighter manager, shared memories from Khabib Nurmagomedov's UFC 223 championship victory in Brooklyn eight years ago. He recalled interviewing Artem Lobov after the famous hallway confrontation, then being told by Ali Abdelaziz to stay away from their team, only for Khabib to warmly embrace him and say "This is our guy, he's just doing his job." Bostanov described 20-30 Dagestanis gathering at the hotel when word spread Conor's team might arrive. He also revealed Zabit Magomedsharipov broke two fingers during warmups but fought anyway to avoid being pulled by the commission. After the event, Bostanov witnessed Khabib's exhausted but gracious interactions with crowds at his hotel, taking time with everyone despite not knowing half the people in his room. Years later, Khabib still recognized and offered to give Bostanov a ride when spotting him on the street.