The long-standing and bitter rivalry between former UFC champions Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov has ignited once again, but this time the flames are being fanned by a key figure from the past. The latest controversy, which began with McGregor accusing Nurmagomedov of a scam involving digital papakha hats, has drawn a furious response from Khabib's former manager, Ali Abdelaziz.
Former Manager Unleashes Verbal Assault on 'The Notorious'
During a recent appearance on MMA Junkie with Mike Bohn, Ali Abdelaziz did not hold back his contempt for the Irish superstar. He launched a brutal tirade, labeling McGregor with extremely harsh language and dismissing his current status in the sport. Abdelaziz emphatically stated, "Conor is a piece of s***. He is just a piece of s***."
He went on to claim that Nurmagomedov's iconic victory over McGregor at UFC 229 had a permanent, devastating impact. "Khabib, he took his fan, took his money, took his soul, took everything away from him," Abdelaziz declared. He contrasted the public perception of the two fighters, saying, "Khabib is so loved and admired by everyone, and Conor McGregor is stinged like, he wants to be loved, and he is not anymore."
McGregor Branded a 'Has-Been' and 'Nobody'
The verbal onslaught continued as Abdelaziz attacked McGregor's character and lifestyle. He called McGregor a "drug addict, alcoholic" and a "has-been." Questioning the fighter's personal circle, he asked, "He is a nobody, outside of being a two-time UFC champion... look at his friends, who are his friends?"
Abdelaziz made a stark comparison regarding their legacies, particularly for younger fans. He positioned Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated with immense global respect, as the ideal role model. In contrast, he called McGregor a "terrible human being" and insisted that no parent would want their children to emulate the Irishman, while Khabib is someone who is "loved and admired" worldwide.
A Rivalry Frozen in Time, But Still Volatile
The context of this new war of words highlights the divergent paths of the two legends. Khabib Nurmagomedov stepped away from fighting at the peak of his career, basking in accolades and respect. His fanbase remains fiercely loyal. Conor McGregor, however, is currently sidelined, serving a suspension and is not expected to return to the UFC octagon before February 2026.
This episode proves that even years after their historic clash and Khabib's retirement, the embers of their feud can erupt into a firestorm with a single spark. The involvement of influential figures like Ali Abdelaziz ensures the rivalry continues to capture headlines, keeping the story alive for MMA fans across India and the globe.
