TLDR
- Khabib Nurmagomedov launched NFT collection featuring digital papakhas that generated $4.4 million in sales
- Conor McGregor accused Nurmagomedov of scamming fans by deleting promotional content after sales
- Blockchain investigator ZachXBT pointed out McGregor’s failed REAL token launch that only raised 39% of target
- Nurmagomedov called McGregor a liar and defended NFTs as legitimate digital gifts celebrating Dagestani culture
- The exchange marks latest chapter in rivalry dating back to their 2018 UFC 229 fight
The long-standing rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov has moved from the octagon to social media. The two UFC stars exchanged heated words over cryptocurrency and digital merchandise ventures.
Nurmagomedov recently launched an NFT collection on Telegram featuring digital papakhas. The papakha is a traditional sheepskin hat from the Caucasus region that Nurmagomedov wore during UFC events. The collection reportedly generated around $4.4 million in sales within one day.
McGregor criticized the venture in a now-deleted social media post. He claimed Nurmagomedov used his late father’s name and Dagestani culture to scam fans. McGregor said fans were robbed of their money after Nurmagomedov deleted promotional posts following the sale.
The Irishman wrote that there was no way the “good guy” Nurmagomedov would use his father and country’s culture to mislead supporters. He referred to it as “Father’s scam” instead of “Father’s plan,” a phrase Nurmagomedov often used when discussing his late father Abdulmanap’s guidance. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away in 2020 and served as his son’s coach throughout his career.
Nurmagomedov responded by calling McGregor an “absolute liar.” He defended the NFTs as legitimate digital gifts with real value. He said the items were created to celebrate Dagestani tradition and culture.
McGregor’s Own Failed Cryptocurrency Launch
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT quickly pointed out McGregor’s own cryptocurrency troubles. McGregor partnered with Real World Gaming DAO in April to launch a memecoin called REAL. The token used a sealed-bid auction system designed to prevent price manipulation from trading bots.
The REAL token offered staking rewards for holders. The project aimed to combine memecoin appeal with utility and transparent fundraising. The presale failed to meet its goals and only raised 39% of its target launch amount.
McGregor’s team refunded all participants after the failed launch. The token struggled during a broader crypto market downturn and memecoin bear market.
The memecoin sector performed well in 2024 but has declined sharply in 2025. Several high-profile launches failed or were labeled as rug pulls. Projects endorsed by US President Donald Trump and Argentina’s President Javier Milei saw values plummet after launch.
The memecoin market cap fell to $39.4 billion on Friday. This marked the lowest level recorded in 2025. The market lost up to $5 billion in a single day according to CoinMarketCap data.
Nurmagomedov Invites McGregor to Dagestan
Nurmagomedov took another shot at McGregor in his response. He invited the Irishman to visit Dagestan for “treatment” at his rehabilitation centers. McGregor had recently mentioned undergoing Ibogaine treatment in Mexico for trauma recovery.
Nurmagomedov said he has treated 56 former drug addicts at his rehabilitation centers in Dagestan. He suggested Mexico didn’t help McGregor and that his team in Dagestan would take care of him.
McGregor deleted his original post criticizing Nurmagomedov. The two fighters faced each other at UFC 229 in 2018. Nurmagomedov won the fight by submission in the fourth round.
The bout remains one of the most watched events in MMA history. A massive brawl broke out after the fight ended. Both fighters have since stepped back from active competition, but the animosity between them continues on social media.
