Photo credit to MMA Fighting
Artem Lobov maps out MMA return after BKFC run
Artem Lobov is returning to mixed-martial arts competition. The GOAT is presently signed to a one-fight deal with the European based MMA promotion, Arena Fight Championship. Lobov will take on the 17-6 Ylies Djiroun who is a veteran of the French MMA scene. Arena Fight 2 will take place on December 12th in Marsiglia, France.
The sparring partner of Conor McGregor makes his MMA comeback after a three-fight run with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Lobov bested both Jason Knight and Paulie Malignaggi in bare-knuckle competition via decision. He was then finished by Knight in their rematch at BKFC 9.
The Russian Hammer‘s last MMA bout was a unanimous decision loss to Michael Johnson in October 2018. This defeat saw Lobov get cut from the UFC in what was his third straight loss with the promotion. Artem Lobov posted a 2-5 octagon record overall with victories over Teruto Ishihara and Chris Avila.
Artem Lobov MMA Return
Lobov’s opponent, Ylies Djiroun has nine submission wins across ten career finishes. The PFL and Shooto Europe veteran snapped a two-fight losing skid late last year. He defeated Maxim Pugachev via unanimous decision in December. Broly is looking to score the most internationally known, name-victory of his mixed-martial-arts career when he takes on Artem Lobov next.
Artem Lobov signed this deal after being courted for several boxing offers. As well as for a KSW foray, per Lobov’s own words. Lobov seemed to indicate that he was close to signing on for a KSW fight. But ultimately decided to fight under the AFC banner next.
Negotiations were also on the table for a bare-knuckle fight though. So it seems that Lobov’s time toeing the line and knuckling up is not coming to an end as he pursues this MMA comeback.
The 14-15-1 product out of SBG Ireland seems to have a ton of options on the table going forward in his combat sports endeavors.
