The first episode of TUF 22 aired last night. Fighters on each team fought amongst themselves to see who would advance in the competition and to the house.
Conor McGregor’s teammate Artem Lobov (11-10-1-1) faced France’s Mehdi Baghdad (11-3), a training partner to Anderson Silva apparently.
In true Lobov style it was a war of a fight. Both fighters met in the middle and traded for two full rounds. Lobov landed leg kicks and body shots but caught by a headkick which nearly knocked him down and elbows which cut him. Faber described the fight as a technically sound striker (Baghdad) versus a brawler who inspires you (Lobov).
In the end though Lobov lost by a decision. It was disappointing the fight didn’t go to a third decider round due to how close things were and even Dana White displayed his disappointment that the judges didn’t rule the first two rounds a draw.
It seems like Lobov impressed Dana and with him presumably sticking around for the rest of the season as part of McGregor’s staff I wouldn’t be surprised if he got another crack in the house.
(Title Image via Dolly Clew/Cage Warriors)