In a shocking twist, UFC legends Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, known for their heated battles in the Octagon, have seen their rivalry spill into the world of digital assets. Allegations of scams centered on NFTs have thrown both fighters into a heated controversy that’s currently taking the internet by storm.
What Happened? The Allegations Against Khabib Nurmagomedov
On November 26, 2025, McGregor took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to publicly accuse his longtime rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov, of pulling off a “multi-million dollar scam.” According to McGregor, Nurmagomedov used his late father’s legacy and Dagestani cultural symbols to sell the NFT collection, Papakha, under false pretenses.
The Papakha collection, named after the traditional sheepskin hat Khabib famously wore during UFC walkouts, reportedly featured 29,000 digital collectibles that sold out within 25 hours. Marketed as exclusive gifts commemorating Dagestani culture and Khabib’s late father, the NFTs were promoted heavily on social media but later caused backlash when all promotional posts were mysteriously deleted from Nurmagomedov’s Instagram and X accounts.
McGregor’s Accusations
McGregor wasted no time weighing in, accusing Nurmagomedov of “scamming fans” and deleting evidence after the sale. His emotionally charged post read, “There is just no way a good guy uses his late father’s name and culture to deceive his fans with NFTs and deletes all content as soon as he profits. This isn’t what a good guy does!”
In response, Nurmagomedov denied the accusations, defending the legitimacy of the project. He stated that the NFTs were designed as cultural gifts with real-time utility, allowing buyers to share them with family and friends. Nurmagomedov also emphasized that the project paid tribute to Dagestani traditions and his late father’s legacy.
Online Investigator ZachXBT Exposes Both Fighters
As tensions escalated, popular online investigator ZachXBT entered the fray, throwing allegations back at McGregor. ZachXBT questioned McGregor’s own moral standing, reminding fans of his 2022 NFT project, “McGregor Realm,” which had faced similar accusations of a “pump and dump” scheme. The investigation even provided evidence suggesting McGregor deleted promotional content after profiting, leaving fans without recourse.
This has led to widespread discussions about the accountability of celebrities endorsing high-risk digital assets in the crypto and NFT markets.
Beware of Celebrity-Endorsed NFTs
This controversy highlights the risks associated with celebrity-backed NFT projects. If you’re interested in exploring NFTs or digital tokens, make sure to thoroughly research the projects and only purchase from trusted platforms. Always look for full transparency from creators and avoid investing based on hype alone.
As an alternative, consider exploring established marketplaces like OpenSea, where vetted collections offer better assurance of quality and value.
Conclusion
Whether legitimate or not, the actions of both McGregor and Nurmagomedov have sparked a larger conversation about celebrity influence in the world of digital assets. As the world of NFTs continues to grow, it’s vital for consumers to stay informed and approach such investments with caution.
