It’s getting harder and harder to differentiate fact from fiction on the internet.
Tyson Fury is the latest victim of a social media hoax involving MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The former UFC lightweight retired from fighting after choking out Justin Gaethje in October 2020.
Since then, fans have been begging ‘The Eagle’ to complete a retirement U-turn like Jon Jones just did.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesTyson Fury tricked by Khabib Nurmagomedov comeback video
In 2024, Nurmagomedov confirmed there is ‘no chance’ he’ll ever make a UFC comeback.
Fury seemingly didn’t get that memo, as he was duped by an AI video recently shared on social media.
It showed Nurmagomedov talking on Instagram live about returning to fight UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and included the caption: “KHABIB WILL COME BACK TO THE UFC AND FIGHT MERAB!”
However, it was very clear that the voice of Nurmagomedov had been dubbed over old footage.
The video was even tagged as ‘Silly AI’ by the creator, who decided to spread fake news.
It quickly became clear that Fury had fallen for the hoax when he reshared the clip to his Instagram story and excitedly tagged Nurmagomedov’s page.
Tyson Fury ends his retirement
Fury can be forgiven for thinking another combat sports icon was following him out of retirement.
‘The Gypsy King’ called time on his boxing career after suffering a second successive loss to Oleksandr Usyk last December.
Daniel Dubois is booked to face Usyk for all the heavyweight world titles in London, England, on July 19.
Still, Fury recently insisted that a date and location for his trilogy with Usyk have been agreed upon.
“April 18, 2026, Wembley Stadium,” Fury wrote. “The trilogy! UK. Contact @spencerbrownmrgoldstar for tickets.” He has also shared a photo of Turki Alalshikh to his story, with the caption “Let’s see what 2026 brings.”
The shock announcement came just 24 hours after Fury insisted that he was still retired from boxing.
It’s currently unclear if Fury vs Usyk 3 is a done deal or if the Englishman is manifesting a shot at redemption.