Artem Lobov: “Khabib Has No Striking At All, Conor Could Also Easily Out-Grapple Him”
Many fighters supported the fact that Conor McGregor cannot outwrestle Khabib Nurmagomedov. Jon Jones was one of them. Al Iaquinta is unsure of the outcome. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov stated no wrestling coach in the world could prepare Conor for Khabib. Coach Firas Zahabi stated he doesn’t believe the match will go to the championship rounds due to differences in their fighting styles.
Yet, Artem Lobov has a completely different view. Conor’s teammate doesn’t even see the UFC 229 main event as the collision of striker versus grappler. He believes Khabib’s striking is very bad. Artem Lobov also thinks Conor McGregor has chances to out-grapple Dagestani fighter! (via bloodyelbow.com)
“When you say it like that, it’s as if Conor doesn’t have wrestling and grappling, and Khabib doesn’t have any striking,” Lobov told The Mac Life. “It is true that Khabib doesn’t really have any striking, but it’s certainly not true that Conor’s grappling or wrestling is not on that level.
“He can easily out-grapple Khabib, and in the wrestling as well. 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.”
Artem Lobov believes Conor will end the fight quickly and regain his Lightweight belt. He hopes for a knockout in the first round. Lobov also looked back at Khabib’s fights versus Michael Johnson at UFC 205 and Al Iaquinta at UFC 223.
“I see Conor stopping him in Round 1. I just don’t see Khabib being able to do anything,” he said. “Look at some of his other fights 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, 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,” he continued.
“So I see all that, 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.”
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think Artem Lobov is making a mistake? We will see on the October 6th when two superstars collide!
