UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov in angry confrontation with Conor McGregor’s pal Artem Lobov at fighters’ hotel
MMA rivals are caught on camera arguing angrily and being kept apart - as they 'warm up' for UFC 223
UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov has clashed angrily with Conor McGregor's pal Artem Lobov in the fighters' hotel.
The duo were caught on camera arguing and squaring up as they 'warmed up' for UFC 223 later this week.
Both fighters were accompanied by entourages as they strode through the hotel feuding.
Russian Nurmagomedov exchanged angry words in his native tongue with Lobov, who was born in the same country but now has Irish citizenship.
Both teams repeatedly intervened and tried to stop the two fighters getting too close.
Nurmagomedov eventually put his left hand on Lobov’s head in what seemed to be an attempt to calm things down.
And, after swapping more words as intense as their glares, Lobov walked away.
Rick Little, head coach of the Sikjitsu gym in Washington, USA, recorded the confrontation and posted it on YouTube.
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Why the two rivals were so furious with each other was unclear.
But Nurmagomedov has trash-talked fellow lightweight McGregor, who is a close friend and training partner of Lobov.
Two-time Combat Sambo world champ Nurmagomedov has mocked Irishman McGregor for not taking part at UFC 223.
He told Ariel Helwani on Monday’s The MMA Hour: "Now, where is this guy? Six days to make weight. He can make weight. Bring this guy.”
And Nurmagomedov accused the UFC of protecting McGregor.
He said: “I think they want him to look nice.”
“He famous. If I change his face… they won’t take somebody who has crazy face.”
