Khabib allowed journalist access after Abdel-Aziz initially prohibited approach at UFC 223

Azamat Bostanov, now a fighter manager, recalled his experience covering UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago when Khabib Nurmagomedov won the lightweight title. After Bostanov interviewed Artem Lobov following the famous bus incident, Ali Abdel-Aziz emotionally told him not to approach their team. However, Khabib intervened, putting his arm around Bostanov and telling Abdel-Aziz, "This is our guy, he's just doing his job." Bostanov also remembered a large group of 20-30 Dagestanis gathering at the hotel entrance ready to prevent any provocations from Conor McGregor's team. After the event, despite being exhausted, Khabib took time to greet fans, take photos, and speak with well-wishers who crowded the hotel floor and his room. Bostanov emphasized that Khabib remained the same friendly, approachable person even years later after multiple title defenses.