Conor McGregor explodes on Khabib Nurmagomedov in deleted post as rivalry sparks back into life out of nowhere

Conor McGregor reignited his rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov, hitting out at the Russian in a now deleted post on X.

Nurmagomedov and McGregor were once embroiled in a bitter feud, sparked when the latter invaded the backstage area of the Russian's title fight with Al Iaquinta at the Barclays Center in April 2018.

McGregor, a former featherweight and lightweight champion, threw a dolly at the window of a bus transporting Nurmagomedov.

The feud continued to gather momentum before ultimately culminated at UFC 229, when Nurmagomedov choked out McGregor in their lightweight title grudge match.

And seven years after the encounter, which remains the highest-selling pay-per-view card in UFC history, there is still no love lost between the pair.

Indeed, in an interview with Russian journalist Adam Zubayraev, Nurmagomedov threw a sly dig at McGregor when discussing current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.

“Could Ilia Topuria be the next Conor? No, he’s a good guy,” Nurmagomedov said. “You can tell he’s trying to become someone.”

McGregor subsequently responded to the dig in a now-deleted X post.

The Irishman said: “Fighting’s biggest b**** yapping out of his fat hole again. Cough cough.”

McGregor hasn’t fought since sustaining a leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, but plans to return to the Octagon next year.

McGregor is hoping to fight at the UFC’s planned card on the White House lawn next July (Getty)

In an interview with The Schmo, McGregor confirmed he intends to return to the UFC drug testing pool, in anticipation of a comeback in 2026.

“I’m going home, going to get the head down, going to rest. They’re testing me, I’m in the pool!” McGregor said.

“So get ready! And stay ready, because damage will be done! Oval office, White House garden!”

The 37-year-old is hoping to fight at the UFC’s planned card on the White House lawn next July. US President Donald Trump announced a bout would take place next year to mark 250 years of American independence.