Lobov Accuses McGregor Of 'Supporting Habits'

Artem Lobov accused Conor McGregor of planning another UFC comeback to fund substance abuse habits rather than for competitive reasons.

The former SBG Ireland teammates, once inseparable during McGregor's rise to two-division champion, have been feuding since Lobov sued McGregor and his Proper 12 Irish Whiskey brand several years ago. After McGregor teased a return following his leg injury at UFC 329 earlier this year, Lobov posted his assessment of the motivation on X.

"Last fight happened many years ago; now it's about supporting the habit," Lobov wrote, per BJPenn.com. "In my humble opinion, of course."

When a follower suggested Lobov was avoiding McGregor, the Russian fighter detailed their broken relationship. He claimed he trained regularly at SBG Ireland on Tuesdays and Thursdays but never saw McGregor, adding that his former friend sent people to burn his car and threaten his mother with a hammer instead of calling directly. "I am the godfather of always showing up, taught Conor how to be a real fighter," Lobov wrote. "But he calls me out at 4am haha, that's junkie o'clock, I was asleep with me kids. Allegedly, of course."

McGregor has not responded to the allegations. The Irishman last won against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 and suffered a right leg injury seconds into his UFC 329 bout with Max Holloway. He targets a return next summer, potentially for a Holloway trilogy, to complete his UFC contract.