Moment devout Muslim UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov refuses to shake female TV host's hand after greeting all of her male colleagues

Former UFC champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov caused a brief moment of awkwardness during the 2025 Champions League final broadcast when he respe...

Former UFC champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov caused a brief moment of awkwardness during the 2025 Champions League final broadcast when he respectfully declined to shake the hand of CBS anchor Kate Scott.  The incident occurred at pitchside following Paris Saint-Germains dominant 50 win over Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Germany. CBS Sports covered the event with its regular panel of punditsThierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richardsalongside presenter Kate Scott. After the match, Nurmagomedov joined the panel, greeting each of the male presenters with handshakes. When Scott extended her hand, however, the devout Sunni Muslim politely declined, following Islamic customs that prohibit physical contact with members of the opposite sex outside immediate family. The moment was caught on camera, with Scott appearing momentarily surprised. Nurmagomedov offered an explanation, and promptly issued an on-air apology, acknowledging his religious stance. Reactions on social media were mixed. Many praised the interaction for being handled respectfully. One viewer commented, Khabib respectfully declining Kate Abdo's handshake#respect.  Another wrote, Beautiful! Very respectful from Khabib. I love to see this. Khabib Nurmagomedov following the deen and declined to shake Kate Scotts hand. Mad respect to Kate for understanding afterwards and issuing an apology.  [via. @CBSSportsGolazo] https://t.co/8c9VDYy7zP pic.twitter.com/U6b0OKJc0s Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) May 31, 2025 However, some viewers expressed discomfort, suggesting Nurmagomedov could have acknowledged Scott in a different way. Forget the handshakehe didnt even greet her until she reached out, one post read. Despite the minor incident, the atmosphere quickly returned to normal as Nurmagomedov spoke about PSGs historic first Champions League title. He watched the match with fellow UFC fighter Islam Makhachev and enthusiastically celebrated the victory. Born in Dagestan, Russia, Nurmagomedov is one of the most well-known Muslim athletes in the world, second only to Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. His adherence to Islamic principles is well documented. In 2020, UFC fighter Cynthia Calvillo noted that Nurmagomedov chose not to train directly with female teammates, emphasizing that it wasnt out of disrespect, but due to religious boundaries. Kate Scott has been a key figure in CBS Sports' Champions League coverage throughout the season. Despite the handshake moment, she continued her role professionally and with grace, earning admiration from fans for her composure. The post Moment devout Muslim UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov refuses to shake female TV host's hand after greeting all of her male colleagues appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.