Conor McGregor Criticizes Khabib for Selling NFTs; Khabib Calls Him a Liar
Conor McGregor has once again targeted his former rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in a heated exchange over the latter’s recent NFT project. The retired former UFC lightweight champion announced the launch of an NFT called Papakhas on Telegram, which reportedly sold out quickly.
McGregor’s Accusations Against Khabib
As the news of the NFT’s success spread, McGregor took to Twitter to express his disapproval. He accused Nurmagomedov of exploiting his late father’s name and Dagestan’s culture for personal gain. In his tweet, McGregor questioned the integrity of selling NFTs while stating, “There is just no way good guy Khabib used his late father’s name… to scam his fans.”
Khabib’s Response
Nurmagomedov responded sharply to McGregor’s claims. He labeled McGregor a liar and suggested that the Irish fighter aims to tarnish his reputation post their infamous fight at UFC 229 in October 2018. In his defense, Khabib highlighted that his NFTs represent real cultural value, symbolized by the Papakha—a traditional hat from Dagestan.
The Nature of the NFTs
Khabib emphasized the genuine nature of the NFTs. He stated, “Yes, good guys don’t do that. They don’t create exclusive digital gifts with real time value.” He assured followers that these NFTs could be shared with friends and celebrate Dagestani traditions, available exclusively on the Telegram platform.
McGregor’s Final Words
Not one to back down, McGregor further escalated the situation. He demanded an apology from Nurmagomedov for allegedly misusing his father’s legacy. McGregor criticized the marketing of NFTs as gifts, declaring, “To sell something means it is not a gift.” He sarcastically referred to Nurmagomedov’s actions as a scam, inferring a lack of intelligence.
Background on Their Rivalry
The backdrop of this exchange is their infamous matchup at UFC 229, which took place in October 2018. The bout is remembered as one of the most significant events in UFC history, where Nurmagomedov dominated and submitted McGregor in the fourth round. The rivalry remains intense, with both fighters continuing to trade barbs long after their encounter in the octagon.
- Event: UFC 229
- Date: October 2018
- Participants: Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov
- Outcome: Nurmagomedov defeated McGregor by submission
