Conor McGregor's Dramatic Shift: From Criticizing Khabib to Praising Telegram Founder Pavel Durov
In a surprising development that has captured the attention of the mixed martial arts community, former UFC champion Conor McGregor has publicly expressed admiration for Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging platform Telegram. This unexpected praise comes just weeks after McGregor launched sharp criticism against his long-time rival Khabib Nurmagomedov over a digital project connected to the same platform.
McGregor's Public Endorsement of Durov on Social Media
On Monday in January 2026, McGregor took to the social media platform X to share a lengthy post celebrating Durov as a "legend" and "dear friend." The Irish fighter accompanied his words with photographs showing the two men training together and spending quality time, suggesting a personal connection that many fans were previously unaware of.
In his message, McGregor opened with the enthusiastic greeting "My brother Pavel Durov!" before launching into detailed praise for the Telegram founder's principles regarding privacy protection and free speech advocacy. McGregor specifically highlighted Durov's reputation as a "true fighter" who was reportedly forced to leave Russia after refusing to compromise user data.
The Stark Contrast with Previous Khabib Criticism
What makes McGregor's current position particularly noteworthy is the dramatic contrast with his stance just weeks earlier. In November 2025, the MMA star had publicly accused Khabib Nurmagomedov of misleading fans through a Telegram-linked digital project involving cultural items inspired by Dagestan heritage.
At that time, McGregor expressed disbelief that "good guy Khabib" would allegedly use his late father's name or cultural roots in what he characterized as potentially deceptive practices. Although McGregor later removed those critical posts, screenshots had already circulated widely across social media platforms, creating significant discussion within the MMA community.
Durov's Unique Position Between Two Rivals
The situation becomes even more intriguing when considering Pavel Durov's existing connections to both fighters. The Telegram founder has been photographed training with Khabib Nurmagomedov and visiting his team, with the former UFC champion even extending an invitation for Durov to train with him last year.
This places Durov in the unusual position of being one of the few individuals publicly associated with both McGregor and Nurmagomedov, whose intense rivalry dates back to their historic October 2018 UFC bout in Las Vegas that ended with Khabib's victory and subsequent post-fight controversy.
Analyzing McGregor's Motivations and Message
In his recent social media post, McGregor elaborated on his admiration for Durov's principles, specifically mentioning:
- The Telegram founder's commitment to user privacy and data protection
- Durov's public statements about increasing government pressure on digital platforms
- Reports of Durov's arrest in France and claims of being blocked from speaking at free-speech events in Europe
McGregor concluded his message with particularly strong personal endorsement, describing Durov as a "loyal brother" and someone he stands beside "100%." The emotional tone of the post stands in stark contrast to McGregor's typically combative public persona, especially when discussing individuals connected to Khabib Nurmagomedov's circle.
The Ongoing Impact on MMA Narratives
This latest development adds another layer to the complex relationship between McGregor and Nurmagomedov, ensuring their rivalry remains a topic of discussion even years after their last professional encounter. The connection through Pavel Durov and Telegram creates an unexpected bridge between two fighters whose animosity has defined one of modern MMA's most compelling narratives.
As the mixed martial arts world continues to analyze McGregor's shifting positions, this episode highlights how digital platforms and their founders are increasingly intersecting with sports personalities and their public disputes. The situation demonstrates how technology entrepreneurs can become unexpected figures in athletic rivalries, particularly when their platforms become venues for public disagreements and reconciliations.
