Khabib's NFT Accused of Being a Scam by McGregor: Jealousy or Fact?

The crypto space is no stranger to drama, but when two of UFC’s biggest icons clash over digital collectibles, the noise becomes impossible to ignore. 

Conor McGregor recently accused Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Papakha NFT collection of being a multi-million-dollar scam after it generated more than $4.4 million in its first 25 hours. 

The claims spread quickly, then disappeared when McGregor deleted his posts. What actually happened? And is this a genuine red flag or just another chapter in their long-running rivalry?

What Is Khabib’s Papakha NFT Collection?

The Papakha NFT collection is a Telegram-based digital collectible inspired by Dagestani culture, particularly the iconic papakha hat Khabib made famous throughout his UFC career. 

The project was intentionally positioned as a cultural tribute rather than an investment scheme. There were no promises of passive income, token rewards, staking benefits, or financial appreciation, features often used in questionable Web3 projects to lure investors.

The NFTs granted holders access to Telegram-native features such as special in-app stickers, exclusive digital items, and community privileges. The idea was simple: fans could own a culturally meaningful digital item tied to Khabib’s heritage and legacy.

The launch was undeniably successful. The entire collection sold out in less than a day, pulling in over $4.4 million, a figure impressive enough to attract both praise and scrutiny across the crypto community.

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Why Did McGregor Accuse It of Being a Scam?

McGregor, never one to shy away from controversy, publicly criticised the project and accused Khabib of orchestrating a scam. His primary argument was based on alleged deleted promotional posts, a tactic commonly associated with shady NFT projects that attempt to hide marketing claims after cashing out.

But here’s where it becomes interesting McGregor swiftly deleted his own posts accusing Khabib, raising eyebrows about whether the accusations were impulsive, exaggerated, or simply intended to stir the pot.

Khabib’s Response

Khabib defended the project immediately, calling McGregor a liar and emphasising that the Papakha NFTs were purely cultural. He reiterated that no promises of financial gain were made, and users confirmed they retained full access to the digital items they purchased.

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Expert Insight: Enter ZachXBT

On-chain analyst ZachXBT, well-known for exposing fraudulent crypto schemes, weighed in. His findings didn’t support McGregor’s scam claims. 

In fact, he pointed out that McGregor had previously engaged in questionable NFT activity himself, including deleting his own “McGregor Realm” promotional posts after launch, mirroring the behaviour he was criticising.

Rather than confirming a scam, ZachXBT’s analysis suggested a case of two celebrities with equally messy histories in the NFT space pointing fingers at one another.

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Are There Actual Red Flags?

In the world of NFTs, deleted posts often fuel suspicions. However, none of the typical hallmarks of a rug pull appear in this case:

• No vanished project team

• No inaccessible NFTs

• No disappearing utilities

• No roadmap promises suddenly revoked

• No reports of loss of access or stolen funds

The NFTs still exist, still function, and still provide the promised Telegram features. This doesn’t make the project flawless, but it certainly challenges the assertion that it’s a scam.

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Crypto Note: Trade Safely Through Bitrue

Celebrity-driven projects often create massive hype but can also expose newcomers to unnecessary risks. If you’re exploring crypto, NFTs or otherwise, it’s important to use a secure and reputable exchange.

Bitrue is one of the platforms known for its robust security infrastructure, user-friendly interface, and wide range of supported assets. It’s designed to make buying, selling, and managing crypto safer and easier, especially for those who want peace of mind while navigating a fast-moving market.

Whether you’re new to crypto or already familiar with digital assets, using a reliable exchange like Bitrue helps ensure your trading activity stays secure and straightforward.

Conclusion

So, is Khabib’s Papakha NFT collection a scam? Based on everything currently available: there’s no evidence of fraudulent behaviour. 

The NFTs work as intended, the utilities are still accessible, and the project made no misleading promises of financial gain.

McGregor’s accusations appear to stem more from rivalry than reality, especially considering his own history with questionable NFT promotions. 

In the broader context of 2025, where celebrity crypto projects face heightened scrutiny, it’s easy for drama to overshadow facts. But so far, this situation looks less like a rug pull and more like two fighters extending their long-standing feud into the Web3 arena.

FAQ

Is Khabib’s Papakha NFT proven to be a scam?

No evidence suggests it is a scam. The NFTs remain functional, and buyers still have access to the promised features.

Why did McGregor accuse Khabib’s NFT project?

McGregor cited deleted promotional posts as suspicious, though he later deleted his own accusations.

What utilities do Papakha NFTs offer?

They provide Telegram-based digital items, stickers, and community access, cultural and social utilities rather than financial ones.

Who is ZachXBT and why does his opinion matter?

ZachXBT is a respected blockchain investigator known for exposing crypto scams. His analysis found no scam evidence in Khabib’s project.

How can I trade crypto safely?

Using trusted platforms like Bitrue ensures a more secure and user-friendly trading experience.