UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov sparked a storm online after he refused to shake hands with sports presenter Kate Abdo on live television. The moment occurred during the Champions League final broadcast in Munich, and it’s now all over the internet.
So, what happened exactly? Kate, hosting the CBS Sports post-match show with Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards, and IShowSpeed, reached out to greet Khabib with a handshake. The UFC legend, a devout Sunni Muslim, politely declined by placing his hand over his chest—a common gesture in Islamic culture.
Kate quickly understood and moved on. No drama on camera. But online? That’s a whole different story.
Critics on social media called Khabib Nurmagomedov’s move “misogynist” and “disrespectful.” One user even called him “backward.” Others defended him, saying he followed his faith respectfully and didn’t insult anyone.
At the Champions League final Russian Muslim Khabib Nurmagomedov @TeamKhabib refused to shake the hand of Kate Scott.
She even apologised to the backward, misogynist, former MMA fighter. pic.twitter.com/SRrBfGXXth
— David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) June 2, 2025
Still, the debate keeps going.
And it’s not the first time. Back in 2020, fighter Cynthia Calvillo said Khabib wouldn’t train with her because of gender differences rooted in religion. But even she clarified—he wasn’t rude. Just different rules.
So, here’s the irony: Khabib didn’t say a single word wrong. He didn’t show aggression. But he still made headlines—just by staying true to his beliefs.
Respect or disrespect? That’s the question tearing the internet apart right now.
Khabib retired in 2021 with a legendary 29-0 record. He’s still the longest-reigning UFC lightweight champ. His name still carries weight, both in the octagon and on the screen.
But this time, it wasn’t his punches that caused the stir—it was a handshake he didn’t give.
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