The decision to retire from combat sports is rarely ever an easy one, and it often feels like every fighter reaches that conclusion through their own seperate set of circumstances. For some, injuries are the biggest factor. For others, losses and the realization that they’re no longer going to be afforded opportunities to compete with the best talent in the world. And a few, the call to coaching, or broadcasting, or other business interests can supplant the desire to compete.
In a recent interview with the MMA Hour, longtime Conor McGregor training partner – and former UFC featherweight – Artem Lobov talked about his own path to hanging up the gloves.