The intense rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov has reignited, capturing the attention of MMA fans once again. After a break from social media, McGregor returned with claims of a rejuvenated mental and physical state, quickly targeting his long-time adversary Nurmagomedov.
On Wednesday morning, the former two-division UFC champion took to X to criticize Nurmagomedov, asserting that the UFC Hall of Famer is deceiving fans through a recent online auction featuring authentic signed Papakha headwear, an iconic part of Nurmagomedov’s fighting persona. This latest attack is just another chapter in their ongoing feud, which ignited during their infamous bout at UFC 229 in October 2018, where Nurmagomedov emerged victorious by submission.
The aftermath of that match was marked by chaotic scenes as brawls erupted outside the octagon, solidifying the animosity between the two fighters. Since then, McGregor has made a habit of disparaging Nurmagomedov, maintaining a consistent stream of insults that reflects their deep-seated rivalry.
In response to McGregor’s allegations, Nurmagomedov did not remain silent, labeling McGregor as “an absolute liar” and reasserting his position regarding the auction promotion. The tension shows no signs of diminishing, with both fighters steadfast in their respective narratives.
Nurmagomedov, who achieved a perfect record of 29-0 in MMA and retired undefeated in 2021 following the death of his father, went on to defend the UFC lightweight title twice after their fight. Meanwhile, McGregor has been active in the ring since their encounter, with one victory over Donald Cerrone in January 2020, followed by two losses to Dustin Poirier. Although he has not fought since mid-2021, McGregor is reportedly eyeing a return during the planned UFC White House event in 2026.
As both fighters remain focused on their respective paths, the drama of their rivalry promises to enthrall fans, ensuring that the legacy of this historic matchup continues to unfold.