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Why A UFC Champion Refused To Shake Hands With A Female Host And What Really Happened

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UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and CBS presenter Kate Abdo are receiving praise for how respectfully they handled an awkward moment on live TV
UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov and TV host Kate Abdo are being praised online for how respectfully and calmly they handled what could have been a pretty uncomfortable moment during the Champions League Final.The event took place on Sunday, June 1, as Paris Saint-Germain went head-to-head against Inter Milan in the much-anticipated final match, held at Munich’s Allianz Arena.Paris Saint-Germain didn’t just win—they completely dominated, ending the game with a stunning 5-0 victory.

Even though the match itself made headlines, something else quickly caught the attention of viewers online. Some social media users were outraged when they noticed what looked like Khabib Nurmagomedov ignoring a handshake offered by Kate Abdo, a well-known CBS Sports presenter.What sparked the reaction was the fact that Khabib had just shaken hands with other people right before the moment with Abdo.But as the story unfolded, Abdo later apologized and there’s actually a very specific cultural and religious reason why Khabib didn’t take her hand.

Kate Abdo reached out her hand, but Khabib Nurmagomedov declined itCBS Sports

The awkward moment and why Nurmagomedov refused to shake Abdo’s hand

Kate Abdo was working the Champions League Final broadcast alongside big names like Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards.

Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov—who made history as the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion from April 2018 to March 2021 was there as a special guest. He warmly greeted the others, exchanging handshakes and friendly embraces. But when it was Abdo’s turn?

She extended her hand to greet him, but Khabib politely declined. Instead, he placed his hand over his chest in a gesture of respect.

 

 

Abdo quickly withdrew her hand and offered an apology before continuing to welcome him to the broadcast with a warm smile.Still, the internet had a lot to say. Some viewers took to social media to express their confusion or frustration, asking why Khabib wouldn’t shake her hand. But once the reasoning was explained, it started to make more sense to many.Khabib is a practicing Sunni Muslim, and his faith prohibits physical contact with members of the opposite sex unless they are direct family members. That’s why he chose not to shake hands, and why Abdo felt it was appropriate to apologize once she realized the context.

 

 

Since then, a wave of support has poured in online for how both Khabib and Abdo handled what could’ve been a truly awkward encounter.People seem to appreciate the mutual respect shown between them in that brief moment.

 

 

 

 

Social media response

One person on Twitter commented: “Mad respect to Kate for understanding afterwards and issuing an apology.”

Another Reddit user chimed in with: “They both handled that very well and quickly.”

Someone else pointed out: “It is out of respect. Notice how he holds his hand to his heart; this is a greeting in itself.”

 

 

And one final person summed it up simply: “This was the most respectful exchange.”Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Khabib’s religious beliefs have influenced his actions in a public setting.Back in 2020, he declined to directly train with former UFC fighter Cynthia Calvillo.

He was still willing to demonstrate some fight techniques but made sure to avoid direct physical contact with her, staying true to the same principles.

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