Khabib's Handshake Refusal Sparks Debate at Final

During CBS Sports' coverage of the 2025 Champions League final, former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov declined to shake presenter Kate Scott's hand, citing his devout Sunni Muslim faith, and instead placed his hand on his chest while shaking hands with his male colleagues. Scott, formerly known as Kate Abdo, apologized on air after retracting her hand. The gesture sparked mixed reactions online, with some accusing Khabib of misogyny and others praising the mutual respect and professionalism shown. This incident echoes previous occasions when Khabib's religious beliefs influenced his interactions, such as declining to train directly with a female MMA fighter in 2020. Social media responses ranged from criticism to admiration for Scott's handling of the moment. The exchange has reignited discussions about multicultural norms and respect in international sports media.