Social media users are drawing attention to content creator IShowSpeed’s visible surprise during an interaction between former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and CBS sports broadcaster Kate Abdo.
The incident occurred on Sunday during the Champions League Final at Munich’s Allianz Arena, where Paris Saint-Germain defeated Inter Milan 5-0.
A moment that captured viewers’ attention happened when Nurmagomedov declined Abdo’s extended handshake, though he had previously greeted other individuals present, including the popular streamer, with physical contact.
Abdo was providing match coverage alongside former footballers Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.
The retired fighter, who maintained the UFC Lightweight Championship for a record duration from April 2018 to March 2021, attended as a guest and embraced the male broadcasters while shaking their hands. When Abdo offered her hand, Nurmagomedov politely declined, placing his palm against his chest as an alternative greeting.
Abdo quickly withdrew her hand and apologized before continuing with the broadcast introduction.
As the handshake was declined, the streaming personality displayed visible shock, turning his head to the side with his tongue protruding in apparent disbelief. The unexpected moment clearly registered with him.
Days following the broadcast, footage highlighting the streamer’s reaction spread rapidly across social platforms. Viewers responded with various comments expressing amusement and surprise at the situation.
Some users questioned the content creator’s presence at the professional sporting event.
Nurmagomedov follows Sunni Islamic teachings, which prohibit physical contact between unrelated individuals of opposite genders according to religious law.
Both participants received widespread commendation for their culturally sensitive handling of the situation. Social media users praised Abdo’s immediate understanding and apology, while appreciating how both individuals navigated the moment with dignity.
Many observers recognized that Nurmagomedov’s chest gesture represented a traditional form of respectful greeting rather than dismissal.
Commenters described the exchange as demonstrating mutual respect and cultural understanding.
This follows previous occasions where Nurmagomedov maintained similar religious boundaries, including a 2020 instance when he declined direct physical training with former UFC competitor Cynthia Calvillo. Though willing to demonstrate techniques, he avoided contact based on identical religious principles.