Artem Lobov hasn’t signed with an MMA promotion just yet, but the former UFC featherweight will be doing bare-knuckle boxing.
Artem Lobov’s post-UFC career will see him enter the world of bare-knuckle boxing.
Having been granted his release from the UFC, Lobov told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani that he’s now with Bare Knuckle FC on a three-fight deal worth six-figures and includes PPV points. According to Helwani, “the deal allows him to sign with an MMA promotion, as well.”
The bare-knuckle debut of “The Russian Hammer” will take place in Biloxi, Mississippi on April 20th against Jason Knight, himself recently cut from the UFC roster.
“I feel Artem is a great addition to our roster and his style is made for this sport,” Bare Knuckle FC president David Feldman said in an official statement. “Attracting and signing a guy with the following that Artem has is a perfect match for where we are right now as an organization. I think this signing speaks volumes for the direction BKFC is heading.”
Lobov (13-15-1 MMA) is known for being a teammate and good friend of Conor McGregor, and he carved out a seven-fight UFC career after making it to the final of The Ultimate Fighter season 22, in which McGregor was one of the coaches. All of his UFC bouts went the distance, including a Fight of the Night loss to Cub Swanson in the main event of UFC Nashville in 2017. His final Octagon appearance saw him lose a decision to Michael Johnson last October, while his most recent win came against Teruto Ishihara in November 2016.
The 32-year-old had three fights left on his UFC contract at the time of his release.
As for Lobov’s opponent, Knight (20-6) started his UFC career 4-1, engaging in multiple entertaining fights, but ended his time with the promotion on a four-fight losing skid, including a UFC 230 decision defeat to Jordan Rinaldi.
Other notable fighters who’ve fought under the BKFC banner include Bec Rawlings, Chris Lytle, Leonard Garcia, and Joe Riggs. Bare Knuckle FC 4 recently took place in Mexico earlier this month.