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'It will be a first-round KO... I'll be very surprised if it goes into the second'

We spoke to Conor McGregor’s main sparring partner in Vegas.

– Paul Dollery reports from Las Vegas

FEW ARE BETTER placed to comment on Conor McGregor’s abilities than Artem Lobov.

The Russian-born Irish fighter is McGregor’s main sparring partner and has played a key role in his training camp for tomorrow night’s interim UFC featherweight title bout against Chad Mendes.

We spoke to Lobov here in Las Vegas as McGregor aims to clinch UFC gold at the expense of his American opponent in the main event at UFC 189 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

According to Lobov, McGregor is an even better fighter now than the one who dismantled Dennis Siver back in January: “Trust me. I know first-hand from the sparring sessions. There’s more power, more speed… more of everything, really.”

Lobov has no concerns about McGregor’s wrestling ability and believes it’ll be a tough night for Mendes, who he doesn’t expect to survive the first round: “I honestly believe that it’s going to be a first-round KO. I’ll be very, very surprised if it goes into the second round.”

Watch the full interview below…

The42 Video / YouTube

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    Mute Mark Power
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    Jun 12th 2012, 8:02 PM

    Whenever I hear the Russian national anthem I half expect to see Rocky start fighting Ivan Drago.

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    Mute bignazza
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    Jun 13th 2012, 11:34 AM

    Call of duty waw anyone ?

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    Mute Jock O'neill
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    Jun 12th 2012, 8:40 PM

    Lads we only have to win our next five matches and we are euro champs ole ole ole lol

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    Mute David Garland
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    Jun 12th 2012, 8:52 PM

    Come on Polska

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    Mute kingstown
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    Jun 12th 2012, 9:26 PM

    Good reliable Russians. Violence and drunkiness

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    Mute fizi_water
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    Jun 12th 2012, 10:27 PM

    Polish equaliser in Warsaw town market … these are the moments we are living for

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdR67Kzxba4

    All fingers crossed for Ireland against Spain, you can make it, never lose hope !!

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    Mute Joe Loughrey
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    Jun 12th 2012, 9:52 PM

    There was defo an edge to this game but great goal and great comeback by Poland.

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    Mute Peter
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    Jun 12th 2012, 9:07 PM

    Russia are really a team to watch for such a pace in their attack

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    Mute АЛЕКСАНДРЪ ХАИШ
    Favourite АЛЕКСАНДРЪ ХАИШ
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    Jun 13th 2012, 3:27 PM

    Well done Russia! Thank you for a good game. Fare play to true Russian Fans with the massive banner! Well done guys!

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