A long simmering feud between two former teammates is finally set to come to an explosive end on October 3, 2025, at a PFL event in Dubai. Artem Lobov, once a trusted comrade of Conor McGregor, and Zubaira Tukhugov, a longtime confidant of Khabib Nurmagomedov, will face off in a highly anticipated fight at a catchweight of 165 pounds. This showdown has been years in the making and is sure to be a thrilling and historic event.
The rivalry between Lobov and Tukhugov dates back to 2018 when the two were both part of the notorious SBG Ireland team, led by McGregor. Lobov, a Russian-born fighter, quickly became a close friend and training partner of McGregor, while Tukhugov, a native of Dagestan, was a key member of Nurmagomedov’s team. However, as tensions grew between McGregor and Nurmagomedov, so did the animosity between their respective teammates.
The feud between Lobov and Tukhugov reached its boiling point in 2018 when the two were involved in a heated altercation at a UFC event in Brooklyn. This incident led to both fighters being suspended and their fight being cancelled. Since then, the two have been on a collision course, with both men determined to settle their differences in the Octagon.
Their rivalry has only intensified over the years, with both fighters taking shots at each other in interviews and on social media. Lobov has repeatedly called out Tukhugov, claiming that he is the superior fighter and that he will finally put an end to Tukhugov’s undefeated record. Tukhugov, on the other hand, has remained calm and focused, letting his actions inside the cage do the talking.
Fans have been eagerly anticipating this showdown between Lobov and Tukhugov, and now, after years of waiting, their wish is finally going to be granted. The fight will take place at a catchweight of 165 pounds, a weight class that has never been used in the UFC before. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the already highly anticipated match-up.
The PFL event in Dubai will provide the perfect stage for this long-awaited showdown. The city is known for its extravagant events and luxurious lifestyle, making it the ideal location to host such a momentous event. The fight is expected to draw a huge crowd, with fans from all over the world eager to witness this epic clash.
But this fight is not just about settling a personal rivalry between two former teammates. There is much more at stake here. Both Lobov and Tukhugov are top-ranked fighters in their respective weight classes, and a win for either of them could propel them to title contention. This fight is crucial for both men’s careers, and they will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory.
For Lobov, this fight is especially significant as it could be his last chance to make a name for himself in the MMA world. The 35-year-old fighter has had a mixed record in the UFC, with six wins and eight losses. However, he has always been known for his entertaining fighting style and his undying determination. A win over Tukhugov could be the turning point in his career and could potentially lead to bigger opportunities, including a possible fight against YouTube star turned boxer, Jake Paul.
Speaking of Jake Paul, Lobov has already stated that he has his sights set on the controversial social media sensation. Paul has been calling out MMA fighters for a while now, and Lobov has made it clear that he is not afraid to step into the boxing ring to shut Paul up once and for all. A win over Tukhugov could be the perfect launchpad for Lobov to make his dream fight a reality.
On the other hand, Tukhugov will be looking to maintain his undefeated record and prove that he is a force to be reckoned with in the UFC. The 30-year-old fighter has an impressive record of 19 wins and one draw, with notable wins over top-ranked opponents. A win over Lobov will solidify his position as one of the top contenders in the featherweight division and could potentially earn him a title shot against his teammate and current UFC champion, Alexander Volkanovski.
In conclusion, the showdown between Artem Lobov and
