Conor McGregor's legacy is under scrutiny again, not just for his recent performances, but also for his preparation leading up to his infamous defeat against Khabib Nurmagomedov. Artem Lobov, McGregor's former teammate and close confidant, has made startling claims about McGregor's training regimen, or lack thereof, before the highly anticipated UFC 229 fight.
Lobov's Bombshell: Party Mindset Over Training
According to Lobov, McGregor was far from focused in the lead-up to the Khabib fight. Lobov alleges that McGregor only trained twice a week, prioritizing a "party mindset" over rigorous preparation. "I know that fight bothers Conor because he didn’t train at all for that fight," Lobov stated. "Twice a week he was training for Khabib. I tried to get him to [Las Vegas] and said ‘We have to do this’, and he told me to f**k off, he just didn’t want to do it."
This revelation casts a shadow over McGregor's performance, suggesting that the loss wasn't solely due to Nurmagomedov's dominance, but also McGregor's own lack of commitment. Lobov believes that a fully prepared McGregor, similar to the one who defeated Eddie Alvarez, could have posed a significant threat to Nurmagomedov.
Whiskey Wars and Broken Bonds
The relationship between McGregor and Lobov has soured significantly, culminating in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit over McGregor's Proper No. Twelve whiskey. Lobov claims he played a crucial role in the whiskey's creation, including market research and strategic decisions, and was promised a percentage of the profits. When Proxima Spirits acquired the brand for a substantial sum, Lobov alleges that McGregor reneged on their handshake agreement, leading to the current legal battle.
- Lobov claims he co-founded Proper No. Twelve.
- He says McGregor promised him 5% of the profits.
- The dispute is now in Ireland’s High Court.
The combination of the legal battle and Lobov's revelations about McGregor's training habits raises questions about McGregor's future in the UFC. Can he recapture the focus and dedication that made him a champion, or will these controversies continue to overshadow his career?
What's Next for McGregor?
Despite the controversies, fans are eager to see McGregor return to the Octagon. Whether he can put the distractions aside and dedicate himself to training remains to be seen. The narrative surrounding McGregor has shifted from one of triumph to one of missed opportunities and fractured relationships. His next move will undoubtedly be closely watched by the entire MMA world.