In the video above, you can watch as real-life drama hit UFC 223 fight week, in a hotel incident between Russia’s Artem Lobov and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
With both Russian fighters due to fight this weekend, their national heritage doesn’t automatically make them friends.
Instead, Lobov and Khabib are rivals, thanks mostly to Lobov’s alignment with Conor McGregor, who Khabib does not care for.
Now, in a new interview with the Russian media, we know exactly what set Khabib off, and why when the two came face-to-face it wasn’t friendly.
Here’s what Artem had to say about Khabib: (Translated: Credit – Beszelgunner R/MMA)
Artem: Khabib pulled out 6 times already. He always pulls out of fights. If something hurts a little bit, his ass or whatever he pulls out. He can’t even make weight. He doesn’t give a shit about his fans, that everyone flew from Russia. Even getting a visa is a pain and travel expenses…, all in order to see him and he doesn’t show up. And it’s not once. Not two, three or four times.. Who is chicken here? Who is afraid? Conor shows up every time no matter what, he’s a true fighter, he’s a true champion. Champion isn’t just a belt around your waist, it’s mentality, it’s your heart. Conor is a real champion and Khabib is not even close.
Reporter: So in cases where Khabib pulled out, Conor would’ve fought every time?
Artem: Did you see Conor pulling out of a fight even once? Everyone has injuries, everyone has problems making weight, but one is a champion and shows up no matter what, and the other one is a coward who pulls out every time.
The video replay of this interview that caused the stir is below:
