EXCLUSIVE
confused
‘What the f*** are you talking about?’ Artem Lobov lets rip at critics after UFC confirm Nate Diaz will fight ‘killer’ Khamzat Chimaev
Former MMA and bare-knuckle fighter Artem Lobov is perplexed by the backlash the UFC has faced for booking Nate Diaz against Khamzat Chimaev.
Diaz has been loudly calling for what is expected to be the final bout of his UFC tenure for some time, as he wants to fight out his contract before exploring the lucrative free agency market.
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After months of relentless campaigning, the fan favourite fighter was booked against Chimaev who will look to improve his perfect record to 12-0 at UFC 279 on September 10.
Diaz seems happy with the booking, as do most MMA fans but a few high-profile figures in the sport believe the fight is a mismatch and have accused the UFC of mistreating a legend on his way out of the company.
British MMA icon Dan Hardy labelled the fight an ‘assassination attempt’ and top welterweight contender Leon Edwards said the UFC ‘f***** up’ by booking Diaz against Chimaev.
‘The Russian Hammer’ never shied away from a challenge during his fight career and finds it bizarre that people seem to be suggesting Diaz should be given an easy final UFC fight.
“I don’t understand people saying that, that’s f****** crazy,” Lobov told talkSPORT.
“If you’re in the UFC and you still want to compete then you have to compete.
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“Imagine you had a 100 metre race and you tell the rest of the guys, ‘don’t go 100 per cent, go a bit slower, make it easier for the other guys.’
"What the f*** are you talking about? Are you a fighter? Are you ready to fight? Then retire. I have always been against padding records and this to me would feel like you’re trying to get an easy fight.”
The 35-year-old has the utmost respect for Diaz for ending his UFC career against the very best opponent available.
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“All respect to Nate Diaz for taking such a tough fight. Khamzat is a killer,” Lobov added.
“This is a massive fight and I respect Nate for accepting such a tough fight. That to me shows he is still in a great mindset, and anything can happen in a fight.”
"I will never, ever accept that they should give him an easier fight. If you’re ready 100 per cent and you’re fighting, then fight. If you’re not there anymore or whatever, just stop fighting, don’t make a mockery of the sport."
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Lobov finished his MMA career with a record of 13-15-1 but is proud to say he faced everyone put in front of him before walking away with several big wins, a legion of fans, and a fair bit of money in his pocket.
“What they gonna do give you an easy fight? No. That is just not me at all. I would never do that in my life and I don’t like seeing that,” he concluded.
“My record is messed up. I’ve had all the losses but I hold my head high. I’ve never padded my record, never turned down a challenge, and never been tapped. This is something that I’ll carry with me proudly for the rest of my life.”
Since walking away from fighting in July 2021, Lobov has been concentrating on raising his three children and penning his autobiography which will include the epic story of how he helped Conor McGregor launch Proper 12 Irish Whiskey.
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