Artem Lobov Laments Lack of Work Ethic from Conor McGregor
As talk of a potential return to UFC for fan favorite Conor McGregor refuses to go away, there has been a surfeit of output relating to the Irishman’s infamous fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov, no doubt sparked by rumors of a possible comeback encounter against the retired Russian star.
It’s now more than seven years since the clash, which saw Nurmagomedov overcome McGregor by submission in Las Vegas, and now Artem Lobov has chosen to recollect the occasion.
Lobov, who ended his career with a rather poor 13-15-1 UFC record, was formerly friends with McGregor before the pair had a serious bust-up, leading to legal ramifications. UFC fans who are hoping to see McGregor back in the Octagon can look to back any upcoming events with a bet with the help of the best sportsbook promos, helping to make any wager a far less risky one.
Lobov recently opened up on what he feels led to McGregor losing that huge fight to Nurmagomedov, one that ultimately shaped the remaining years of the Dubliner’s subsequent career. McGregor only won one fight following that 2018 clash and hasn’t fought since his second loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021.
Talking about the preparation, or lack thereof, before the fight with Nurmagomedov, Lobov stated.
“[Only] twice a week he was training for Khabib,”
“He just didn’t want to do it,”
“Twice a week. That’s it.”
Lobov then discussed McGregor’s potential return, stating simply.
“He needs to stop messing [around], get back into the gym, and get fit,”
“The way forward is grappling. Just grapple. It’s fun, it’ll get your body ready for fighting again. He needs his mojo back.”
“Khabib would come back for that fight. The whole world would be talking about [their rematch]. That would be a comeback fight for the ages.”
“I want to see the old Conor back. Then, everything will be sweet between us.” Lobov concluded.
There is growing talk that McGregor will make a comeback for the UFC event that is set for the White House in 2026, albeit talk of such a return has been off more than on over the past few years.
One fighter who feels McGregor’s UFC days are firmly behind him is Islam Makhachev, who has been unequivocal on what he feels the future holds for the 37-year-old.
“Khabib broke his mind,”
“This guy never come back.”
“He’s not gonna fight anymore. I [said] this like two years ago.”
“I still thinking he’s not gonna fight. Now, he have like disqualification from the anti-doping commission. I think no.”
“Maybe Jon Jones will come back to fight in White House, but not Conor,”
It does feel like the longer that McGregor is out of the fight game, the more likely he is to never get back in it. However, with a fighter of his pulling power, UFC president Dana White is unlikely to ever completely shut the door, as financially it would be churlish to do so.
