Conor McGregor has reignited the flames of his longstanding rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov. This follows a recent PED ban imposed on a member of the Russian combatant’s family.
Recently, Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov saw his unanimous decision win over Brent Primus overturned to a no-contest due to a failed PED test.
The California State Athletic Commission handed the undefeated combatant a six-month ban and a substantial $50,000 fine after testing positive. This happened just days before his scheduled Bellator 300 main event on October 6.
In response to Usman’s PED test result, Conor McGregor took to Twitter.
He tweeted: “I am not one bit surprised upon hearing another of the Nurmagomedov team testing positive for s**roids. Hypocrites of the highest order”
McGregor went further, not only bringing attention to Usman’s failed test but also making an inappropriate comment about Khabib’s late father who was a devout Muslim.
He added: “S**roids are HARAM! The shame of Allah hangs over the Nurmagomedov clan. Cheaters! Abdulmanap is doing tumbles in his grave.”
The retired UFC star has not yet commented on his cousin’s failed PED test or McGregor’s attempt to use it against the Nurmagomedov family.
Usman Nurmagomedov took to social media to defend himself against the accusations, vehemently denying being a cheat. In an Instagram post, the 25-year-old explained that the prohibited substance found in his system was a result of medications prescribed by a doctor.
He admitted to undergoing treatment a few months before his bout but failed to notify the Athletic Commission in advance.
Usman wrote on Instagram: “I would like to give a comment regarding the latest news on my suspension. A few months before my fight, I was undergoing treatment, but unfortunately, I did not notify the Athletic Commission in advance.”
“I would like to note that the California State Athletic Commission conducted its own full investigation, where I provided all the necessary documents, doctor notes, and medical certificates, thanks to which the period of my disqualification was reduced to 6 months, instead of longer suspensions accepted in such cases.”
In the wake of this controversy, the feud between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov seems to have revived. Only time will tell how it shapes the narrative surrounding these two competitors.