Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has launched a fierce counterattack against Conor McGregor after the Irish fighter accused him of running a scam involving a digital project tied to Dagestani culture. This marks the latest chapter in their bitter rivalry that began with their iconic UFC 229 showdown in October 2018.
The Origins of Their Rivalry
It was back in October 2018 when Khabib Nurmagomedov forced Conor McGregor to submit during their historic UFC 229 main event. That night saw Nurmagomedov claim the UFC Lightweight Championship in what remains one of the most watched fights in MMA history. Since that decisive victory, the two fighters have maintained a heated exchange across various social media platforms.
The Digital Papakha Controversy
The recent conflict ignited when McGregor made serious allegations against Nurmagomedov's involvement in a digital initiative celebrating Dagestani heritage. The Irish fighter claimed that Nurmagomedov had exploited his father's legacy to promote and sell digital papakhas - traditional Dagestani hats - only to remove all promotional materials after collecting payments from buyers.
Nurmagomedov responded with characteristic fire, calling McGregor an "absolute liar" in his rebuttal. "You will always try to darken my name, after you got destroyed that night, but you will never achieve that!" the retired champion declared, referencing their 2018 encounter.
The Dagestani fighter defended his cultural project, explaining that it involved creating "exclusive digital gifts with real-time value that you can share with your friends and family." He emphasized the cultural significance of the papakha, describing it as a hat that "symbolizes traditions and culture of Dagestan people" that are spreading globally regardless of McGregor's opinions.
Beyond the Octagon: Ongoing Tensions
While their professional fighting rivalry has cooled since Nurmagomedov's retirement, the personal animosity continues burning brightly. The conflict extended beyond social media when, during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden, McGregor's teammate Dillon Danis faced an attack allegedly led by members of Nurmagomedov's team.
With McGregor scheduled to return to the ring after February 2026, following an 18-month absence, speculation grows about whether Nurmagomedov might make a surprise appearance. Though retired from professional competition, the Dagestani champion continues to engage with his longtime rival through cultural projects and social media exchanges.
The digital papakha project remains available exclusively on Telegram, which Nurmagomedov praised as "the greatest messaging platform in the world." Despite McGregor's allegations, the former champion maintains that his initiative legitimately celebrates and preserves Dagestani cultural traditions through modern digital means.
