This weekend, in the main event of the UFC’s latest trip to Nashville, Tennessee, Artem Lobov will take on Cub Swanson. Given that Lobov owns an admittedly unimpressive record of 13-12-1 and Swanson currently holds the number four spot in the UFC featherweight rankings, the announcement of this fight was initially a bit of a head-scratcher. It simply looked like a mismatch. Lobov, however, is more than confident he can beat and even finish Swanson. Much of his confidence can be attributed to his countless hours in the gym with training partner Conor McGregor.
In a recent promotional video for this Nashville card, Lobov explains how training with McGregor, who is the former UFC featherweight champion and current UFC lightweight champion, has prepared him for the massive test he faces in Swanson. See this video at the top of this post, and see a transcription of Lobov’s comments on training with McGregor below.
“Most people would know my good friend, and one of the training partners I train with on a regular basis, Conor McGregor,” he said. “Training with Conor will prepare me for any fighter that I will ever face or ever have faced. I’ve never come across a fighter that will be able to put the kind of pressure that Conor was able to put on me. His movement is so unpredictable, his shots are so fast, so powerful, and I’m well used to dealing with that. Nothing surprises me in there anymore. I’m ready for anything, and for anyone.”
Lobov also gave a quick assessment of Swanson’s skills.
“He mixes it up,” he said. “This is what he’s known for, keeping a high pace. He’s pretty aggressive. He’s in a huge surprise. He can’t hang with me in the standup. Cub is the number four guy. He is my hardest challenge to date, but without risk there’s no reward.”
Do you think Artem Lobov’s training with Conor McGregor can carry him to an upset win over Cub Swanson? Sound off, PENN Nation!
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 4/18/2017.
