Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely respected for his discipline, values, and cultural pride. A devout Muslim, he and his team strictly follow Islamic principles, which include specific boundaries regarding interactions with the opposite gender. Recently, he faced backlash for refusing to shake hands with a female TV presenter, a decision rooted in his religious beliefs.
During CBS Sports’ coverage of PSG vs. Inter Milan in Munich, Kate Abdo appeared alongside Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards, and iShowSpeed. And then Khabib Nurmagomedov entered the chat, and the whole group began exchanging handshakes. During this time, fans saw that Khabib chose not to shake Scott’s hand, instead placing his hand on his chest as a respectful gesture. This made many fans furious and praised Kate for her apology.
One fan felt it was disrespectful, “Wtf??? That’s so disrespectful. He shook everyone hands but Kate’s. Embarrasing,” fan said.
Wtf??? That's so disrespectful. He shook everyone hands but Kate's. Embarrasing.
— Madferit (@m_madferit) May 31, 2025
Meanwhile, one fan furiously slammed the Dagestani legend, “It’s pathetic how the muslim version of ‘respect’ involves disrespecting women and other non-muslims. She should not have apologized.”
Its pathetic how the muslim version of "respect" involves disrespecting women and other nonmuslims. She should not have apologized.
— duskylily (@duskylilyy) June 1, 2025
One fan labels it awkward, saying, “That handshake moment or lack of it was awkward.”
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That handshake moment or lack of it was awkward
— Prince (@Princedommm) May 31, 2025
Meanwhile, one fan said, “He can’t shake women in a professional setting but hey lemme do this guys head in for money.”
He can't shake women in a professional setting but hey lemme do this guys head in for money
— leoo🌟 (@LFCLeoo) May 31, 2025
One fan said it’s “a shame — civilisation is something serious and we can’t let the Occident become that.”
A shame!!! Civilisation is something serious and we cannot let Occident becomes that!! 😡😡
— 𝐀𝐱𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐱𝐱 🇫🇷 (@axelyxx) May 31, 2025
Another fan suggests he would’ve said Khabib is his country, so he should respect what we do here.
I would’ve said “you’re in our country you respect what we do here, shake my mf hand”
— Adam L (@adamwayne_0) June 1, 2025
With war criminal putin pic.twitter.com/9H3tWR7czk
— HelgaYa (@GaAkimenko) June 1, 2025
Kate deals with it like a boss
— 💫 (@Txwffx) June 1, 2025
This wasn’t the only thing that went viral among the fans — another moment that caught everyone’s attention was the banter between IShowSpeed and ‘The Eagle’.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Humiliates IShowSpeed With Football IQ Jibe
During the broadcast, Khabib, a big Real Madrid fan who knows a lot about football, joked about IShowSpeed’s earlier comments on his soccer skills. He said Speed might be faster at running, but when it comes to understanding the game, Khabib is smarter. He added that on the field, there’s no one between them now, meaning it’s just the two of them competing. ‘The Eagle’ reminded Speed that he can say what he wants—freedom of speech.
The Dagestani legend has loved football since childhood. If he hadn’t become a fighter, he would’ve pursued a career in football because of his strong passion for the game. Now, after he playfully responded to IShowSpeed’s comments, fans are calling for a football match between the two. They want to see Khabib face Speed on the field and are actively pushing for the fun showdown to happen.
