Ben Askren rips Artem Lobov following his release from the UFC.
Artem Lobov is no longer under contract with the UFC, and Ben Askren thinks ‘The Russian Hammer’s’ release was long overdue.
Following Tuesday’s report that Lobov had been granted his release by the UFC, ‘Funky’ took aim at the ‘GOAT’ on social media.
After Lobov hinted at a move to Bellator, ONE FC and various other promotions, Askren responded with the following sarcastic tweet.
Did the GoAT get cut? @frontrowbrian https://t.co/Kcz5dn6AFL
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) January 29, 2019
Lobov, who trains alongside former ‘champ-champ’ Conor McGregor at SBG Ireland, answered with a joke about a possible transition to the boxing ring.
Keep that belt warm for me Ben, I’ll be back for it after I take over boxing
— Artem Lobov (@RusHammerMMA) January 29, 2019
Lobov’s joke got a ‘good laugh’ out of Askren, who claimed that Lobov’s MMA-GOAT ‘gimmick’ had ran its course.
Artem you literally stink at fighting, your record is 13-15! I’m glad you’re living the gimmick because we are all getting a good laugh out of it l. https://t.co/HL1YndHkxL
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) January 29, 2019
Lobov fired back with the following tweet, but Askren accused the MMA veteran of trolling.
Relax there Ben, I went the true fighters road and fought the best at every turn, I came up short often, but I gave it my all every time and never quit or hide from the challenge like some
— Artem Lobov (@RusHammerMMA) January 29, 2019
Are you trolling me? Because there is no way you actually believe this right? https://t.co/kr0nfNPyBV
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) January 29, 2019
Askren, the former ONE FC and Bellator welterweight champion, will make his UFC debut against Robbie Lawler on March 2nd. Askren vs. Lawler will take place at UFC 235 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As for Lobov, the dual Russian-Irish citizen will probably go on to avenge Conor McGregor’s loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr.