Artem Lobov was unable to make good on his word on Saturday night when Cub Swanson fought his way into featherweight championship contention after a unanimous decision victory in Nashville.

Many were questioning why the fight was even booked in the first place, as they claimed that the only reason the Russian Hammer is even in a main event spot is because of his well-documented friendship with the current lightweight champion, Conor McGregor.

UFC NASHVILLE

Nevertheless, the fans were treated to a great scrap at UFC Fight Night 108 and although Lobov claimed he’s pleased he helped put on a good show, he won’t be too happy that his record has now slipped to 13 wins and 13 losses.

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That’s not to say Lobov was poor, as he began the aggressor and battled until the final bell – but Killer Cub simply wasn’t going to be beaten on the night and is now targeting the winner between Jose Aldo and Max Holloway.

One man who was certainly impressed with his fellow SBG teammate was the Notorious, who took to his official Instagram account to dedicate a post to Lobov’s valiant effort; showing just how classy he is.

INSTAGRAM POST

As you’ll be able to see below, he posted: “That was a great fight. Proud of my brother Artem!

“What a ride it’s been for the Russian Hammer. In a career filled with ups and downs, he has never backed down from anything. Nothing but love and respect always my brother.”

That’s exactly the sort of response you’d expect from McGregor, especially since their friendship had been on display since the Irishman coached Lobov – opposite Urijah Faber - in The Ultimate Fighter 22 series, where he brought the Russian Hammer back into the fold after suffering an opening loss and guided him to a finals spot where he lost to Ryan Hall.

Even though the night didn’t go as Lobov wanted, he later claimed that as long as the fans enjoyed themselves – it was a success.

Lobov said: “I hope it was a good fight for the fans.

“At the end of the day, fans make the show. If there’s no-one watching, then there’s no-one paying and we don’t earn money. Then what’s the point? This is the whole point: entertain the fans.

“This is an entertainment business. If they were entertained, then the night was a success.”

Although some will claim it’s first and foremost a fighting business, you have to praise Lobov for his efforts inside of the Octagon on Saturday night.

What do you make of Conor McGregor’s Instagram post? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.

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