YouTuber IShowSpeed’s Hilarious Reaction to UFC Star’s Handshake Snub Goes Viral
Fans are beginning to notice IShowSpeed’s response to the interaction between UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and CBS host Kate Abdo.
On Sunday (June 1), Paris Saint-Germain faced Inter Milan in the Champions League Final at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with Paris Saint-Germain emerging victorious with a score of 5-0.
A noteworthy moment outside the match that captured the audience’s attention occurred when Nurmagomedov seemingly rejected Abdo’s handshake. This was surprising given that Nurmagomedov had just shaken hands with others, including IShowSpeed.
Abdo was at the event with notable figures like Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards.
Abdo extended her hand, but Nurmagomedov declined (CBS Sports)
Nurmagomedov, a former professional mixed martial artist and the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion from April 2018 to March 2021, was a special guest and greeted the other men with handshakes. However, he declined Abdo’s handshake, placing his hand over his heart instead.
Speed’s response to Khabib not shaking hands with Kate Scott.pic.twitter.com/MS05VrmjBp
— morenidmich (@morenidmich) June 3, 2025
Abdo quickly withdrew her hand and apologized before inviting him to the show.
When Nurmagomedov seemed to reject the handshake, the YouTuber looked to the side, displaying a shocked expression with his tongue out. It’s clear that the handshake moment captured his attention.
In the days following the event, a video highlighting the content creator’s response went viral on X (formerly Twitter). “Bro I’m dead,” one viewer commented.
Another user remarked, “This took me by surprise.”
Among the laughing-while-crying emojis in the comments, a puzzled social media user inquired, “What is Speed doing there in the first place?”
Nurmagomedov is a devout Sunni Muslim, and within the religion, it is forbidden by Islamic law for followers to physically touch a person of the opposite sex who is not a relative.
Abdo quickly apologized for the action (James Gill – Danehouse / Contributor / Getty)
Both Abdo and Nurmagomedov have received commendations for their ‘respectful’ management of the situation. One Twitter user commented, “Much respect to Kate for understanding and apologizing afterwards.”
“They both handled that situation very well and quickly,” a Reddit user mentioned.
A third user added, “It is out of respect. Notice how he places his hand over his heart; that is a greeting in itself.”
Another user concluded, “This was the most respectful interaction.”
This incident follows Nurmagomedov’s refusal to train directly with former UFC fighter Cynthia Calvillo in 2020.
He was willing to demonstrate certain techniques but would not make direct contact with her.