MMA News Roundup: Conor McGregor's sincere advice to "old friend" Artem Lobov, Colby Covington reveals new info on street brawl with Jorge Masvidal, Alexander Volkanovski backed to beat Islam Makhachev by UFC star

In this week's edition of Sportskeeda's MMA News Roundup, we'll be taking a look at the biggest updates from the UFC as well as other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.

Today's edition features a message of advice from Conor McGregor to his former friend Artem Lobov, while Colby Covington provides new insight into the attack by Jorge Masvidal. Furthermore, Alexander Volkanovski has been tipped to become the new lightweight champion.

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#3. UFC star Conor McGregor's words of advice to "old friend" Artem Lobov

Conor McGregor and Artem Lobov's issues appear to be far from over after the Irishman offered advice to Lobov on Twitter, insisting that he stops with the "nonsense."

'The Russian Hammer' is suing McGregor as he believes he was instrumental in the idea for the Irishman's Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey brand before being forced out of the business. The BKFC star has also tried to sue the 34-year-old on the grounds of defamation, but the High Court rejected Lobov's appeal.

In a now-deleted tweet from the Irishman, he addressed his former friend, referring to him as "Stuart Little" as well as asking him to stop with the lawsuit. McGregor wrote:

"“Well there ya go Stuart little. You now owe me two major court appearance fees. Stop this nonsense. You are making a holy show of yourself. Peel it back day by day, if you can even. That’s coming from the “old friend, woulda done anything for you” in me mate."

Conor McGregor's deleted tweet

Artem Lobov also claimed he is owed up to 5% of the profits from Conor McGregor's sale of shares last year to Proximo Spirits. The deal was worth a reported $600 million, meaning Lobov is potentially owed up to $30 million.

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#2. New information regarding Colby Covington's response to Jorge Masvidal's attack

Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal have both been absent from the UFC following their UFC 272 clash back in March that saw 'Chaos' walk away with a unanimous decision victory.

Just weeks after the bout, police officers were called to Miami Beach, where Colby Covington was struck in the face by a masked assailant. The attacker was later revealed as Jorge Masvidal, who didn't believe their UFC clash had settled their beef.

Covington suffered a broken tooth, alleged brain trauma and up to $15,000 worth of damages to his watch. The pair are now set to meet in court in February next year, with 'Gamebred' charged with aggravated battery.

New footage has now emerged from that night in March, which revealed Covington's reaction and his conversations with police officers following the attack. In the video, the 34-year-old said he told the "truth" when talking about Masvidal's abilities as a father, which he believes is why he was attacked:

"I said the truth. I said, 'Hey, why don't you talk to your kids? Why are you a deadbeat father?' This was before the fight and during the press conference. [Covington was then asked if he thinks this is the reason why he was attacked] Yeah for sure. Definitely."

Catch the video here:

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#1. Michael Chandler backs Alexander Volkanovski to defeat Islam Makhachev

UFC lightweight star Michael Chandler has backed featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski to grind out a decision victory against Islam Makhachev.

UFC 280's main event saw Islam Makhachev face off against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title. The Russian fighter dominated from the beginning, winning both the stand-up and ground exchanges against the Brazilian. Makhachev eventually landed a huge shot that dropped 'do Bronx' before making him tap in the second round.

Following the victory, the UFC invited Volkanovski into the octagon for a staredown with the newly crowned Makhachev, and it was later announced that the pair would main-event UFC 284 in Perth, Australia next year.

'Iron' weighed in on the upcoming clash and gave the edge to the pound-for-pound king, as long as he isn't immediately taken down at the start of each round:

"In the striking department, Volkanovski is better than him. I think in the speed and the power department, Volkanovski is better than him. So, anything outside of Islam going out there and taking him down in the first minute of each and holding him down, I think Volkanovski might actually squeak out a decision."