UFC rivals Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov have revived their long-standing conflict through a heated social media exchange. The argument began when McGregor criticized Nurmagomedov’s recent NFT sale commemorating the anniversary of his father’s death.
The controversy started with Nurmagomedov’s collaboration with Telegram, where he offered 29,000 digital Papakha hats as NFTs for $150 each. The Dagestani fighter described the items as cultural symbols honoring his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
The entire collection sold out within hours, generating approximately $4.5 million. Nurmagomedov subsequently deleted all promotional posts about the sale after its completion.
My count is 56 former drug addicts, at my rehabilitation centers in Dagestan, that I treated.
Come to Dagestan @TheNotoriousMMA they'll take care of you here.
Mexico didn't help you, as far as I can see. pic.twitter.com/yZBc8gmkob
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) November 26, 2025McGregor launched the first attack via social media platform X, accusing his former opponent of exploiting his father’s memory. “There is no way that Khabib’s good boy would use his father’s surname to scam his fans,” McGregor wrote.
Read: Khabib Nurmagomedov Removed from Flight, Sparks Outrage
Nurmagomedov responded quickly, calling McGregor “an absolute liar” and defending the project as preserving Dagestani cultural traditions. He emphasized the digital items represented meaningful cultural symbols rather than mere commercial products.
The auction has ended and all Papakha’s been sold!
Appreciate everyone who participated in it, and become a holder of this great and exclusive digital gift, gift with value, that you can share with your friends and loved ones.
Thank you for trust!
Only on Telegram pic.twitter.com/d2cIPhdMJX
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) November 26, 2025The exchange intensified when McGregor challenged Nurmagomedov’s description of the $150 NFTs as “gifts,” stating: “Selling something means it’s not a ‘gift’… Scamming with your late father’s surname, shame.”
Nurmagomedov’s reply took a deeply personal direction, referencing McGregor’s admitted substance use issues. “I have treated 56 former drug addicts in my rehabilitation centers in Dagestan,” he responded. “Come to Dagestan and you will be treated there. Mexico didn’t help you, from what I can see.”
