Artem Lobov Says Conor McGregor Will Stop Khabib Nurmagomedov In One Round At UFC 229

Conor McGregor’s training partner Artem Lobov has given his prediction for the UFC 229 main event and he doesn’t think Khabib Nurmagomedov will make it outside of the first round.

Lobov, who was involved in an altercation with Nurmagomedov in Brooklyn prior to the infamous dolly throwing incident, was scheduled to fight Alex Caceres but was subsequently pulled after all the chaos ensued. With his own Octagon return now set for UFC Fight Night 138 against Zubaira Tukhugov on Oct. 27, Lobov is currently hard in camp training alongside McGregor.

Speaking to MacLife.com this weekend, Lobov didn’t shy away from saying he’s expecting his teammate to get the job done early on Oct. 6.

“I see Conor stopping him in Round 1,” Lobov said (h/t Bloody Elbow transcribe). “I just don’t see Khabib being able to do anything. Look at some of his other fights that he’s been in. The Iaquinta fight, when he was connecting, Khabib did not like it at all. He was going back, leaning back, turning away and closing his eyes.

“The same against Michael Johnson. When Michael Johnson connected, Khabib couldn’t take him down anymore. The only reason they ended up on the floor was because Michael Johnson decided to wrap up the guillotine and bring him down himself — which was the biggest mistake of his life. I’m sure he still regrets that. Either than that, he had stuffed Khabib’s takedowns already.

Whilst most are expecting McGregor to win the fight on the feet should he be victorious, Lobov says the Irishman will also be able to hang with him on the mat should the fight get taken there.

“He can easily out-grapple Khabib, and in the wrestling as well,” he said. “Of course this is Khabib’s game, so we’re not stupid. We’re not gonna fall into his hands right away, but make no mistake about it, we’re gonna be ready everywhere.

“I see Conor in training. I see his timing, I know his wrestling, how good his grappling as well. I just don’t see it any other way. First round stoppage for Conor McGregor,” Lobov later reiterated.

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