In an incident that has sparked mixed reactions online, former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov politely refused to shake hands with CBS Sports host Kate Scott during a Champions League final segment. The moment occurred at the Allianz Arena on Saturday night, following Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2025 Champions League final.
The incident
As the post-match coverage unfolded, Nurmagomedov, who was present alongside fellow UFC star Islam Makhachev, approached the CBS Sports panel. He greeted each of the male pundits, including Thierry Henry , Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards, with a handshake. However, when Scott, who was previously known as Kate Abdo before her marriage to boxing trainer Malik Scott, extended her hand for a handshake, Khabib respectfully declined.
The refusal, which came across as somewhat awkward, led to Scott quickly pulling back her hand. It was clear that the gesture was not a personal affront but a decision based on Khabib's devout Islamic faith. After the exchange, Khabib appeared to clarify his position, explaining to Scott that his refusal was a reflection of his religious beliefs. Scott, understanding the situation, apologized on air.
Cultural and religious context
Khabib's refusal to shake hands is rooted in his deep commitment to Islam, a faith that prohibits physical contact with members of the opposite sex unless they are close relatives. As a devout Sunni Muslim, Khabib has been open about his adherence to the religious practices that guide his daily life, including interactions with women.
This is not the first time Khabib has faced scrutiny for his faith-driven decisions. Back in 2020, UFC fighter Cynthia Calvillo revealed that Khabib would not train directly with her due to her gender, though he would still demonstrate techniques from a distance. "It's a little bit weird because of their religion... they won't train with women," Calvillo told theScore. Despite the awkwardness, she emphasized that Khabib and his team were not rude, and that they still communicated respect.
Reactions from Fans and social Media
The handshake incident generated a wave of reactions on social media, with many fans praising Khabib for his respectful adherence to his beliefs. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Khabib respectfully declining Kate Abdo’s handshake #respect.” Another added, “Beautiful! Very respectful from Khabib. I love to see this.”
However, not all responses were positive. Some fans felt that Khabib’s actions were disrespectful towards Scott. One comment stated, “That didn’t seem respectful. Forget about the handshake, he even ignored her and didn’t even greet and acknowledge her until she put her hand out.”
Despite the brief awkwardness, Khabib quickly shifted the focus of the conversation back to the match and his support for PSG, who had secured their first-ever Champions League title. He was joined by Makhachev, who also celebrated the victory, and the two discussed the game with enthusiasm. Scott, for her part, continued her coverage with professionalism.
The incident
As the post-match coverage unfolded, Nurmagomedov, who was present alongside fellow UFC star Islam Makhachev, approached the CBS Sports panel. He greeted each of the male pundits, including Thierry Henry , Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards, with a handshake. However, when Scott, who was previously known as Kate Abdo before her marriage to boxing trainer Malik Scott, extended her hand for a handshake, Khabib respectfully declined.
Khabib Nurmagomedov following the deen and declined to shake Kate Scott’s hand.
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) May 31, 2025
Mad respect to Kate for understanding afterwards and issuing an apology. 🫡
[via. @CBSSportsGolazo] https://t.co/8c9VDYy7zP pic.twitter.com/U6b0OKJc0s
The refusal, which came across as somewhat awkward, led to Scott quickly pulling back her hand. It was clear that the gesture was not a personal affront but a decision based on Khabib's devout Islamic faith. After the exchange, Khabib appeared to clarify his position, explaining to Scott that his refusal was a reflection of his religious beliefs. Scott, understanding the situation, apologized on air.
Cultural and religious context
Khabib's refusal to shake hands is rooted in his deep commitment to Islam, a faith that prohibits physical contact with members of the opposite sex unless they are close relatives. As a devout Sunni Muslim, Khabib has been open about his adherence to the religious practices that guide his daily life, including interactions with women.
At the Bellator 300 Winner’s Circle, Liz Carmouche offered a handshake to Usman Nurmagomedov.
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) October 8, 2023
Usman respectfully declined to handshake due to religious reasons. Cris Cyborg made Liz put her hand down 😂 pic.twitter.com/XE5wiQybmQ
This is not the first time Khabib has faced scrutiny for his faith-driven decisions. Back in 2020, UFC fighter Cynthia Calvillo revealed that Khabib would not train directly with her due to her gender, though he would still demonstrate techniques from a distance. "It's a little bit weird because of their religion... they won't train with women," Calvillo told theScore. Despite the awkwardness, she emphasized that Khabib and his team were not rude, and that they still communicated respect.
Reactions from Fans and social Media
The handshake incident generated a wave of reactions on social media, with many fans praising Khabib for his respectful adherence to his beliefs. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Khabib respectfully declining Kate Abdo’s handshake #respect.” Another added, “Beautiful! Very respectful from Khabib. I love to see this.”
However, not all responses were positive. Some fans felt that Khabib’s actions were disrespectful towards Scott. One comment stated, “That didn’t seem respectful. Forget about the handshake, he even ignored her and didn’t even greet and acknowledge her until she put her hand out.”
Despite the brief awkwardness, Khabib quickly shifted the focus of the conversation back to the match and his support for PSG, who had secured their first-ever Champions League title. He was joined by Makhachev, who also celebrated the victory, and the two discussed the game with enthusiasm. Scott, for her part, continued her coverage with professionalism.
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