The most significantly rivalry in MMA history is at it again.
After emerging from a social media hiatus with a claim of reborn mental and physical state, the new version of Conor McGregor still won’t stand by and let a chance to go after Khabib Nurmagomedov pass him by.
On Wednesday morning, former two-division UFC champion McGregor unleashed a series of critical posts on X directed at UFC Hall of Famer and bitter enemy Nurmagomedov. The Irishman claimed “The Eagle” is scamming fans following a recent online auction of authentic, signed Papakha head wear that was a signature of Nurmagomedov’s look during his fighting career.
McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) speaking negatively about Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) is nothing new. It has been a relentless stream of it since their October 2018 grudge match at UFC 229, which Nurmagomedov won by fourth-round submission before a brawl ensued that saw him leave the cage to attack McGregor’s team, while teammates of Nurmagomedov entered the octagon and assaulted “The Notorious.”
Nurmagomedov wasn’t going to sit idle this time while McGregor went after him, his family name and legacy. He offered a retort, calling McGregor “an absolute liar” while also doubling down on the platform he was promoting.
It’s clear the bad blood between the two sides will never fizzle. After winning the fight between them, Nurmagomedov went on to defend the UFC lightweight title twice before suddenly retiring in October 2021 following the death of his father Abdulmanap.
McGregor, meanwhile, has competed three times since the loss to Nurmagomedov, beating Donald Cerrone in January 2020 before losses to Dustin Poirier in January 2021 and July 2021. He hasn’t fought since, but is plotting an octagon return for the planned UFC White House event in 2026.
