UFC featherweight king Ilia Topuria is just a few weeks away from the biggest fight of his career against BMF title holder Max Holloway, where his featherweight crown will be on the line. However, more than the bout, Topuria is also focusing on the lightweight division, eager to secure a massive title fight against champion Islam Makhachev. This situation puts him at odds with “Team Khabib.” Last week, Belal Muhammad joined Makhachev in issuing a warning to ‘El Matador’, saying, “Be careful what you wish for.”

Topuria was not pleased with Muhammad intervening between him and Makhachev, leading to a confrontation where Topuria slammed the Welterweight king. This situation escalated on X, with Muhammad not letting it go. He aimed ultimate disrespect at Topuria, writing, “Didn’t this dork just buy a fake BMF belt to pose with? He’s starting to become the Georgian version of Colby Covington.”

This jab at Topuria’s Georgian heritage wasn’t random but was inspired by Conor McGregor’s recent verbal attack. McGregor claimed, “He’s not Spanish, he’s Georgian. I’m much more Spanish than Topuria,” mocking Topuria’s identity and questioning his allegiance. McGregor further stated that he supports real Spanish athletes like Fernando Alonso and Carlos Alcaraz. This remark from McGregor came as Topuria has increasingly portrayed himself as more Spanish, especially after gaining Spanish citizenship.

Despite McGregor and Topuria’s recent tensions, when “Team Khabib” got involved in a verbal exchange with Topuria on social media, McGregor unexpectedly showed support for Ilia, even with their ongoing feud.

If you asked Conor McGregor to name his most hated rival, his answer would undoubtedly be UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov. The two share a bitter history that extends far beyond the octagon, climaxing with the infamous bus attack at UFC 223 media day—a brawl that led to criminal charges. Six years have passed since their showdown in the cage at UFC 229, but McGregor’s hatred for Khabib and his team remains as fierce as ever.

This animosity resurfaced last week when Team Khabib, including Belal Muhammad, began taking shots at rising featherweight star Ilia Topuria. Muhammad, one of Khabib’s allies, even went as far as to comment that Topuria was “trying to be the next [Conor],” drawing comparisons between the two fighters’ trajectories and approaches in the fight game.

When McGregor caught wind of these remarks, he wasted no time in responding. He took to X to post a photo of ‘The Eagle’ looking scared during the infamous bus attack—sending a direct and unmistakable message to Team Khabib, reminding them of the history they share and McGregor’s lingering disdain.

What are your thoughts on Belal Muhammad’s remark? Do you believe that Topuria sometimes appears overly theatrical when flaunting his Spanish citizenship, and can his behavior be compared to Colby Covington on the same scale? Share your opinion below.