Conor McGregor recently praised Telegram founder Pavel Durov, just weeks after criticizing his longtime rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov, over a joint venture involving NFTs on Telegram’s platform. In November, McGregor accused Nurmagomedov of misleading fans by “fireselling” NFTs through Telegram, but following this now-deleted outburst, he seems to have developed a connection with key figures in social media, including Durov.
Durov is one of the few individuals with close relationships to both Nurmagomedov and McGregor, whose intense rivalry has divided the MMA community since 2018. McGregor, known for his outspoken and controversial nature, recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his admiration for Durov, highlighting the Telegram founder’s commitment to privacy, free speech, and resistance to governmental pressures.
In his post, McGregor called Durov a “true warrior,” praising him for being expelled from Russia after refusing to compromise user data and building Telegram into a global platform defending free speech. He also commended Durov’s continued dedication to combating censorship and harmful content without sacrificing core principles, despite facing legal challenges in Europe.
Durov responded to McGregor’s tribute by acknowledging the Irishman as an “unstoppable force of nature.” This newfound friendship is notable given that Durov also trains with Nurmagomedov and collaborated with the former lightweight champion on digital collectibles representing Dagestani culture—an effort that McGregor publicly condemned.
Previously, McGregor had strongly criticized Nurmagomedov’s use of his late father’s name and cultural symbols to market NFTs, accusing him of defrauding fans and disrespecting his heritage. Nurmagomedov’s team defended the initiative, emphasizing its cultural significance and Telegram’s role in enabling these digital “gifts.” Despite their differences, McGregor’s recent praise of Durov signals a surprising shift in his alliances within this ongoing feud.
Fan Take: For MMA fans, this development highlights the complex interplay between fighters’ personal rivalries and evolving digital platforms like Telegram. McGregor’s endorsement of Durov may not only influence his public image but also signal broader shifts in how fighters engage with technology and social media to connect with their global audience.
