Connor McGregor Takes Aim at Hughes Over Khabib Exchange
Conor McGregor has found himself in yet another feud, this time with fellow Irish fighter Paul Hughes. The tension erupted following Hughes’ fight against lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov at PFL: Road to Dubai. Hughes, who lost a close majority decision, earned praise from many fighters, including McGregor, who initially backed him as the true winner.
However, the goodwill quickly soured after a post-fight interaction between Hughes and Khabib Nurmagomedov. In footage from Anatomy of a Fighter, Hughes is seen speaking to Khabib, saying, “I’m not like this other guy. I’m my own man.” The remark appeared to reference McGregor, who has had a long-standing rivalry with Khabib. Upon seeing the clip, McGregor launched into a series of social media insults directed at Hughes.
“Too right, you’re not,” Connor McGregor posted on Twitter, accompanied by a derogatory hashtag. He went on to make inflammatory remarks questioning Hughes’ Irish heritage due to his roots in Northern Ireland, writing, “Get that flag off you, you little know-what-you-are c*nt from up there.” The comments were later deleted, but not before they sparked backlash from fans and media.
Hughes Responds, Questions McGregor’s Mental State
Paul Hughes wasted no time in responding to McGregor’s attacks. Taking to social media, he maintained a respectful tone while also questioning McGregor’s mindset.
“[McGregor], always said you were the GOAT, paid homage at every opportunity,” Hughes wrote. “But coming at my Irish identity just shows where your head is at.”
The situation escalated when Khabib Nurmagomedov himself weighed in, siding with Hughes. In a pointed Instagram story, Khabib posted, “You are a real Irishman [Hughes] and not a rapist and drug addict like this bastard,” a clear reference to McGregor’s ongoing legal troubles.
McGregor, who has not fought since breaking his leg in 2021, has been embroiled in numerous controversies outside the cage. In recent months, he was found liable for sexual assault in a civil case related to a 2018 incident in Dublin. He is also facing another lawsuit stemming from an alleged sexual assault at a Miami Heat game in 2023. His reputation in Ireland has taken a hit due to these incidents, and his attack on Hughes has only fueled further criticism.
McGregor’s Feud with Khabib Still Lingers
The latest controversy highlights how McGregor’s rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to shape his actions. Their feud reached its peak at UFC 229 in 2018, where Khabib defeated McGregor and then sparked a post-fight brawl by attacking Dillon Danis, a member of McGregor’s team. While Khabib retired in 2020, his rivalry with McGregor remains a central narrative in MMA.
Hughes, on the other hand, seems to be forging his own path. Despite the loss to Usman Nurmagomedov, he has gained respect from the MMA community and was even invited by Khabib to train in Dagestan. Hughes expressed interest in the offer but made it clear that he wants a rematch with Usman first.
McGregor’s latest outburst has only widened the gap between him and the new generation of Irish fighters. Once hailed as the face of Irish MMA, McGregor’s influence appears to be waning, especially as his legal troubles and controversial statements overshadow his fighting career. With rising stars like Hughes and Ian Garry gaining momentum, McGregor’s place in Irish combat sports is more contested than ever.
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