Artem Lobov and Conor McGregor were once known as the ultimate fighting duo, with Lobov serving as a loyal sparring partner and friend to the Irish superstar. However, in recent years, their relationship has taken a tumultuous turn, with legal battles and social media jabs becoming the norm. But as Lobov prepares for his return to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in Dubai, he has surprisingly put aside all the noise and come to the defense of his former teammate against a common enemy – Team Khabib.
Lobov’s loyalty to McGregor is well-known, and despite their current differences, it seems he still has the utmost respect for the former two-division UFC champion. In an interview with EssentiallySports, Lobov expressed his support for McGregor and warned Team Khabib ahead of his upcoming PFL clash.
The feud between McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov has been one of the most intense and publicized rivalries in the history of mixed martial arts. The two fighters have a long-standing animosity, which came to a boiling point in their infamous clash at UFC 229. The post-fight brawl between their teams only added fuel to the fire, and the bad blood between the two has continued to simmer ever since.
But despite their animosity, Lobov believes that McGregor deserves respect from Team Khabib. “I don’t think it’s right for Team Khabib to disrespect Conor,” he said. “Conor is a former champion, and he has done a lot for the sport. He deserves respect, and it’s not right to keep throwing jabs at him on social media.”
Lobov’s comments come after Team Khabib’s recent social media posts, where they took a dig at McGregor’s loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. The Russian fighter’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, even went as far as to say that McGregor should retire and that he is “not a good person.”
But Lobov believes that these comments are uncalled for and that McGregor should be given credit for his accomplishments in the sport. “Conor is a legend in this sport, and he has achieved so much. It’s not right to take away from that,” he said.
Lobov’s words may come as a surprise to many, considering his current legal battle with McGregor over a sparring session that turned sour. However, it seems that Lobov is willing to put aside personal differences for the sake of respect and sportsmanship.
As for his own upcoming fight at PFL, Lobov is focused on his opponent, Movlid Khaybulaev, and is determined to put on a show for the fans in Dubai. “I’m excited to be back in the PFL and to show the fans what I can do. I’ve been training hard, and I’m ready to put on a great performance,” he said.
Lobov’s return to the PFL comes after a two-year hiatus, and he is looking to make a statement and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division. And with his renewed focus and determination, he is ready to take on anyone who stands in his way, including Team Khabib.
In conclusion, while the relationship between Lobov and McGregor may have soured in recent years, it seems that Lobov still has his former teammate’s back when it comes to respect and sportsmanship. As he prepares for his return to the PFL, Lobov is proving that he is not just a loyal friend, but also a fierce competitor who is ready to defend his own and those he holds dear. So, as he faces off against Khaybulaev in Dubai, fans can expect to see a motivated and determined Lobov in the cage, ready to put on a show and silence any doubters.