UFC Moncton

Mcgregor's Coach John Kavanagh Has Spoken Out This Morning Detailing Why Artem Lobov Should Be Treated With Respect Artem Lobov who might not have the best won/loss record in the sport of MMA, but he's best known as Conor McGregor’s teammate and friends. “The Russian Hammer” has been a constant in Irishman's corner throughout his UFC tenure, but his relationship with the Mcgregor flourished on the mats of SBG. Last night at UFC Moncton SBG Ireland’s Artem “The Russian Hammer” Lobov came up short against Michael “The Menace” Johnson in a featherweight contest via a unanimous decision in what was Lobov's third loss in a row that extends his pro-record to 13-15-1. Many criticized Lobov for his poor performance suggesting he's still in UFC due to his friendship with Mcgregor. Despite all that SBG Ireland head coach took to FB this morning and details why Lobov should be treated with respect. Kavanagh also went on to defend his accomplishments inside the Octagon after last nights tough competition. ”Artem Lobov is only in the UFC because of his relationship with Conor McGregor,” Kavanagh wrote in a lengthy open letter on Facebook. “Maybe. Only for Conor he would not have been brought back after his preliminary loss on the Ultimate Fighter and, who knows, maybe quit. He has a losing record and just suffered another loss last night. If it’s just records you’re interested in, if someone’s win/loss record is as deep as your analysis is capable of then I’d stop reading now. Actually if you’ve never really tried to achieve anything yourself and instead enjoy making snide remarks and commentating on where the ‘the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better’ then I recommend Chuck Mindenhall’s recent article.” “I’ve been a big fan of for years now,” he wrote. “Ran over LW ‘in the title mix’ Poirer in less than 2mins. Beat the very skilled Tony Ferguson and Edson Barboza. So surely when the once no.5 ranked LW in the world fought Artem it was going to be a complete mismatch? Then how is it after 2 rounds 2 judges had it even going into the 3rd. Round 3 was close until MJ snatched it with a terrific takedown. Well done and great win. But that’s not the point. One could hardly argue it was a one sided beat down.” “What about his run on the Ultimate Fighter. Impossible to argue he did not catch a lucky break getting the ‘Wildcard’. But what did he do with that break? KO’d 3 guys in a row to fight on the finale. Only a handful of fighters on the planet have been able to achieve a run on TUF like that.” “I believe his performances in the cage against the highest level opposition in the world is worthy of a lot more respect that it gets. I don’t think Artem has the skills to be a UFC World Champion, I can be honest and state that but he 100% has earned the respect of his fellow fighters and shown, independently, he earned his spot on that stage. He understands the business and knows how to build a fight and always brings an exciting contest. Love him, hate him fans are always engaged when the Russian Hammer is on a card.” Some may not agree with Kavanagh’s words, but it's good to see how he stand up for Lobov in the midst of all the criticism. Read coach Kavanagh's full statement below: