Artem Lobov Believes Tony Ferguson Is Next For Conor McGregor

There’s still uncertainty on who Conor McGregor will face next in combat sport, but longtime partner Artem Lobov may already know the answer MMA fans are dying to hear.

In a recent interview with MMAfigthing.com, Lobov dropped his thoughts on the matter and believes Tony Ferguson earned his shot at McGregor with his third-round submission win over Kevin Lee at UFC 216. After the main bout, Ferguson called out McGregor in hopes of a potential title unification fight before the end of the year.

Lobov said,

I think Tony is next, the only reason why I say that is it was unclear who was next for the title shot. There was Khabib, there was Tony and then Kevin Lee stood up.

Then, when Kevin Lee was announced we weren’t sure that Tony would be ready. As soon as Tony got the belt, in my eyes he’s next because Tony obviously wants that belt.

Previously reported, McGregor’s coaches John Kavanagh and Owen Roddy mentioned that they’re hoping to see a Nate Diaz trilogy in the very near future. However, McGregor’s chief sparring partner prefers the Diaz fight slotted after a title defense while Justin Gaethje and Eddie Alvarez settle their score inside the Octagon.

In my head, Conor defends the belt against Tony. In the meantime, Khabib can fight the winner of Alvarez and Gaethje. Whoever wins that can be next.

While all that takes place, we can throw Diaz in the mix there somewhere.

Who do you think Conor McGregor should face next? Let us know in the comment section right below.