The most significant rivalry in MMA history is back in the spotlight. Fresh off a self-described mental and spiritual reset. Conor McGregor has returned to social media swinging aiming once again at longtime nemesis Khabib Nurmagomedov.
On Wednesday morning, the former two-division UFC champion unleashed a series of posts on X targeting Nurmagomedov. Accusing the retired lightweight great of “scamming fans” with a recent online auction of signed Papakha headwear, the traditional hat that became a staple of Khabib’s walkout look throughout his UFC career.
McGregor (22–6 MMA, 10–4 UFC) going after Nurmagomedov (29–0 MMA, 13–0 UFC) is nothing new. Ever since their infamous grudge match at UFC 229 in October 2018, the Irish star has kept a near-constant verbal barrage aimed at “The Eagle,” his team, and even his legacy.
That night in Las Vegas, Nurmagomedov choked out McGregor in the fourth round to retain his lightweight title, then leapt over the cage to attack members of McGregor’s corner, sparking an all-out brawl. Several of Nurmagomedov’s teammates also entered the Octagon and threw punches at McGregor, cementing the rivalry as one of the ugliest and most heated in UFC history.
https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1993797716208701613
Khabib fires back.
Rather than ignore the latest round of insults, Nurmagomedov responded publicly, calling McGregor “an absolute liar” and defending the legitimacy of the platform and auction he was promoting. The quick rebuttal only underscored what’s been clear for years: the animosity between the two sides isn’t going anywhere.
After defeating McGregor, Nurmagomedov went on to defend his lightweight belt twice more before abruptly retiring in October 2020, then making it official in 2021, following the death of his father and longtime coach, Abdulmanap. He walked away undefeated at 29–0 and later entered the UFC Hall of Fame.
Troubled Path
McGregor’s path since UFC 229 has been far more turbulent. He returned in January 2020 with a 40-second TKO over Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, but then suffered back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021, the second ending with a horrific leg break that has kept him out of the cage ever since.
Outside the Octagon, McGregor has spent the last few years splitting time between acting (including his role in the 2024 Road House remake), business ventures, and dealing with serious legal issues, including being found liable in a civil sexual assault case. He recently announced that he underwent intensive ibogaine-based treatment for trauma and brain health in Mexico and says he has emerged “healed” and renewed in both body and spirit.
Now 37, McGregor insists his comeback is already mapped out: he plans to compete on the UFC’s planned White House event in 2026, which would mark his first fight in more than four years.
And judging from his latest social media volley at Nurmagomedov, one thing hasn’t changed during his time away McGregor still isn’t ready to let go of the rivalry that defined the peak of his fighting career.
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
