UFC rivals Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov have dominated the headlines this week thanks to a vicious back-and-forth social media exchange. While the trash-talking started fairly light, it quickly escalated into an ugly display of racism and accusations of rape.
A few days ago, McGregor posted a photo of Nurmagomedov and his wife, who was in a traditional Muslim dress. He wrote, “Your wife is a towel mate.” McGregor received backlash for the post, which has since been deleted.
Nurmagomedov responded by posting his own photo of McGregor and a woman, labeling him as a “rapist.” Nurmagomedov was likely referring to the New York Times story that noted that McGregor is being investigated by Irish police for an alleged sexual assault from December.
The tweets have garnered massive negative attention and have shined a horrible light on the UFC, prompting president Dana White to respond.
“I am aware of the recent social media exchange between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. The ongoing situation has escalated to a level that is unacceptable. As such, we are taking the necessary steps to reach out to both athlete camps and this situation is being addressed by all parties internally.”
The trash-talking has since simmered down between the two. McGregor posted a tweet expressing his desire to move on from the inappropriate insult, while also
teasing his return to the Octagon. The former champion
announced his retirement from professional MMA last month.
A rematch between Conor McGregor and current lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov appears to be brewing, though nothing official has been announced.