Conor McGregor accused Khabib Nurmagomedov of launching a $4.4 million NFT collection as a scam exploiting Dagestani culture and his late father’s legacy, but Khabib denied the claims, insisting it was a tribute. Posts vanished after sales, reigniting their feud amid a recovering NFT market.
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McGregor’s Accusation: The UFC star called the NFT drop a “stain” on Khabib’s family, highlighting deleted social media posts after quick sales.
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Khabib’s Defense: He labeled McGregor a “liar” and described the project as a digital homage to his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, not a cash grab.
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Market Context: The global NFT market cap stands at $3.3 billion, up 4% in 24 hours, as broader crypto rallies with Bitcoin surpassing $90,000.
McGregor slams Khabib’s $4.4M NFT drop as scam exploiting culture—Khabib denies. Explore the feud’s impact on crypto NFTs. Stay updated on market trends today.
What Is the McGregor-Khabib NFT Feud About?
The McGregor-Khabib NFT feud erupted when Conor McGregor resurfaced on social media to target Khabib Nurmagomedov over a recent NFT project. McGregor claimed the collection, tied to the traditional Dagestani papakha hat that Khabib wore during his UFC career, was a deceptive scheme profiting from cultural symbols and the memory of Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. This accusation came shortly after the NFTs sold out, generating over $4.4 million in a 25-hour window, only for all related posts to disappear from Khabib’s platforms without explanation. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in the MMA world while drawing attention to the volatile nature of the NFT space within cryptocurrency.
The broader cryptocurrency market provides context for this drama. As Bitcoin’s price climbed above $90,000, the total crypto market capitalization rebounded to $3.1 trillion, with 24-hour trading volume reaching $140 billion. This recovery has bolstered interest in digital assets like NFTs, which continue to attract high-profile figures despite past criticisms of their legitimacy.
Why Did McGregor Accuse Khabib of an NFT Scam?
McGregor’s posts on X, now deleted, were pointed and personal, stating there was “no way good guy Khabib used his late father’s name, as well as Dagestan’s culture, to scam his fans.” He emphasized the rapid sales followed by the removal of promotional content, calling it “fire selling digital NFTs online and then deleting all the content after they were sold.” McGregor further remarked that this turned his “Father’s plan” into a “Father’s scam,” a direct jab at Abdulmanap’s legacy as a respected coach and mentor in combat sports.
The timing of McGregor’s outburst aligns with his own career developments. The former UFC double champion has been hinting at a 2025 comeback, recently re-entering the drug-testing pool after a period of recovery from a severe leg injury sustained in 2021. UFC officials have also announced plans for a major event at the White House in 2026, fueling speculation about McGregor’s potential involvement. This NFT controversy serves as a distraction or perhaps a strategic provocation in their long-standing rivalry, which dates back to their 2018 UFC 229 bout where Khabib submitted McGregor in the fourth round, leading to post-fight chaos.
On-chain data from blockchain analytics platforms underscores the NFT project’s scale: 29,000 unique tokens were minted and sold, tapping into Khabib’s undefeated 29-0 UFC record as a thematic element. Sources familiar with the launch, including team members close to Khabib’s management, described it as a cultural preservation effort, digitizing the papakha as a non-fungible token to honor Dagestani heritage. However, the lack of transparency post-sale has invited skepticism, a common critique in the NFT ecosystem where projects often face accusations of “rug pulls”—sudden abandonments after funds are raised.
Expert analysis from cryptocurrency researchers, such as those at Chainalysis, notes that while NFTs have legitimate uses in digital art and memorabilia, high-profile endorsements can amplify risks for investors. In 2025, the sector has seen renewed growth, but incidents like this remind participants of the importance of due diligence.
Khabib’s response was swift and defensive. Addressing McGregor’s claims directly, he branded the Irish fighter an “absolute liar” and reaffirmed the project’s integrity. “This was created to celebrate my father’s influence on wrestling and MMA in Dagestan,” Khabib stated in a public rebuttal, according to reports from MMA insiders. He emphasized that proceeds were intended for community initiatives in his hometown, though specifics remain undisclosed to protect ongoing efforts.
Source: Conor McGregor’s X post (Now deleted)The plot thickened when prominent on-chain investigator ZachXBT entered the fray. Rather than siding with Khabib, ZachXBT highlighted hypocrisy by resurfacing details of McGregor’s own 2022 NFT venture, “McGregor Realm.” That project launched with significant hype, promising exclusive digital content for fans, but similarly faded from view after initial sales, with promotional materials scrubbed from McGregor’s social channels. “Sound familiar?” ZachXBT posted alongside transaction records, drawing parallels that undermined McGregor’s moral high ground.
NFTPRICEFLOOR metrics, a key tracker for NFT valuations, indicate the global NFT market capitalization at approximately $3.3 billion as of late 2025, reflecting a 4% increase over the past 24 hours. This uptick aligns with the cryptocurrency bull run, where Ethereum— the primary blockchain for most NFTs—has seen its price stabilize above $3,500. The McGregor-Khabib exchange has inadvertently spotlighted how celebrities leverage NFTs for branding, but it also exposes vulnerabilities in a market prone to fleeting trends.
Their rivalry, dormant yet simmering for six years, stems from deep cultural and personal divides. Khabib retired in 2020 as the lightweight champion, maintaining his perfect record, while McGregor has struggled with injuries and legal issues. This NFT spat marks one of Khabib’s rare public engagements since stepping away, suggesting the feud’s enduring grip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Khabib Nurmagomedov’s NFT Collection Really a Scam?
No evidence confirms Khabib’s NFT drop as a scam; it sold 29,000 tokens for $4.4 million in 25 hours as a tribute to his father and Dagestani culture. Posts were removed post-sale, likely for archival reasons, but McGregor’s accusations have fueled debate without substantiating fraud claims from blockchain audits.
What Impact Does the McGregor-Khabib NFT Feud Have on Crypto?
The feud highlights celebrity involvement in NFTs, potentially drawing more eyes to the $3.3 billion market amid Bitcoin’s surge past $90,000. It underscores risks like post-sale transparency issues but also shows how personal rivalries can boost awareness of digital collectibles in the broader $3.1 trillion crypto ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- NFT Sales Volatility: Khabib’s project raised $4.4 million quickly, but deleted posts raise questions about sustainability in the NFT space.
- Rivalry Revival: McGregor’s accusations mirror his own past NFT efforts, as noted by investigator ZachXBT, keeping MMA drama alive in crypto circles.
- Market Momentum: With NFTs up 4% to $3.3 billion and crypto at $3.1 trillion, such stories could encourage cautious investor participation.
Conclusion
The McGregor-Khabib NFT feud encapsulates the intersection of sports celebrity, cultural heritage, and the unpredictable world of NFT collections in cryptocurrency. While McGregor’s sharp criticisms and Khabib’s firm denial have reignited their iconic rivalry, the episode serves as a reminder of the need for transparency in digital asset projects. As the NFT market grows alongside Bitcoin’s rally above $90,000, fighters and fans alike should prioritize verified initiatives. Looking ahead, this clash may inspire more athletes to engage thoughtfully with blockchain technology, potentially shaping the future of sports memorabilia in crypto.
