Former UFC champion Conor McGregor's attempt to criticize rival Khabib Nurmagomedov over NFT involvement was swiftly countered by on-chain investigator ZachXBT, who highlighted McGregor's own failed crypto ventures. The exchange reignites debate over celebrity involvement in cryptocurrency projects and the importance of accountability in the space.
In the latest chapter of the long-running rivalry between MMA legends Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, the Irish fighter took aim at his former opponent over alleged NFT activities, only to have his criticism dramatically backfire when blockchain detective ZachXBT entered the conversation.
McGregor's attempt to call out Khabib was quickly overshadowed when ZachXBT, the pseudonymous on-chain investigator known for exposing cryptocurrency scams and fraudulent projects, pointed out McGregor's own checkered history in the crypto space. The investigator's intervention highlighted the former UFC champion's unsuccessful venture into celebrity memecoins with the launch of REAL in April 2025.
The REAL token, which McGregor promoted to his massive social media following, failed to gain meaningful traction in the market and has since become another cautionary tale in the celebrity crypto narrative. This track record significantly undermined McGregor's credibility when attempting to criticize others in the digital asset space.
ZachXBT has built a reputation for holding both prominent and obscure figures accountable in the cryptocurrency industry. His interventions often rely on transparent blockchain data and meticulous research, making his callouts particularly difficult to dispute. The investigator's involvement in this exchange serves as a reminder that the permanent, public nature of blockchain transactions means past crypto ventures remain visible and verifiable.
The incident underscores a broader issue facing the cryptocurrency industry: the flood of celebrity-endorsed tokens and NFT projects that often fail to deliver value to retail investors. From Kim Kardashian's SEC settlement over promotional activities to numerous failed athlete-backed tokens, the pattern of celebrities entering crypto without proper understanding or commitment has become increasingly problematic.
For McGregor, this public exchange represents another setback in his cryptocurrency endeavors. The fighter's massive global profile and devoted fanbase couldn't translate into success for REAL, demonstrating that celebrity status alone is insufficient for crypto project viability.
As the dust settles on this social media confrontation, the episode serves as yet another example of why due diligence and skepticism remain essential when evaluating celebrity-associated crypto projects, regardless of the promoter's fame or following.