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Awkward on-air moment as Khabib Nurmagomedov snubs CBS Sports host's handshake

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During the 2025 Champions League final, something unexpected happened on live TV. UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov kindly declined a handshake from CBS Sports anchor Kate Scott, which was captured after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Inter Milan 5-0. Khabib's decision was rooted in his Muslim faith, and both his team and Scott also pointed out that his lack of a handshake was different from celebrating with the PSG players after the match.
Khabib Nurmagomedov's respectful refusal sparks debate
In June 2025, the Champions League final took place at the Allianz Arena in Germany and PSG won 5-0 over Inter Milan. As usual, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and host Kate Scott led the coverage of the game on CBS Sports.. After the match, Khabib Nurmagomedov and streamer IShowSpeed joined them on the field.



Khabib happily shook hands with the male hosts but gently declined Scott's handshake, placing his hand on his chest instead. This is because, as a devout Muslim, his faith does not allow touching unrelated women. Scott apologized on air and kept things friendly.





On X, some fans praised Khabib, with one saying, “Khabib stayed true to his beliefs, respect.” Others thought he could have greeted Scott better, as one user noted, “He didn't even look at her at first.” The moment got people talking about faith and respect.
Kate Scott's professionalism shines through
Kate Scott stayed calm and professional despite the awkward moment, winning fans' hearts. She quickly said sorry on air and moved the talk back to PSG's big win, their first Champions League title. Khabib, a huge PSG fan, was thrilled to be there with his friend, UFC fighter Islam Makhachev. They even took pictures with PSG player Achraf Hakimi and the trophy.


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This wasn't the first time Khabib's faith shaped how he acts. In 2020, UFC fighter Cynthia Calvillo said Khabib doesn't train directly with women because of his beliefs, but he still shares tips kindly. Scott's smooth handling of the situation kept the show fun and focused on football.

The Champions League final was a huge night for PSG, but Khabib's moment with Scott got everyone's attention. His faith as a Sunni Muslim guides him to avoid physical contact with women he's not related to, as noted by Muslim cultural sources.
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