Monday, June 2, 2025 - 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-Germain’s dominant 5–0 win over Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in
Germany.
CBS Sports covered the event with its regular panel of
pundits—Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards—alongside 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.”
However, some viewers expressed discomfort, suggesting
Nurmagomedov could have acknowledged Scott in a different way. “Forget the
handshake—he didn’t even greet her until she reached out,” one post read.
Despite the minor incident, the atmosphere quickly returned
to normal as Nurmagomedov spoke about PSG’s 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 wasn’t 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.
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
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