Artem Lobov expresses interest in Bare Knuckle FC, promotion responds
“The Russian Hammer” Artem Lobov (14-15-1) has been released from the UFC. Lobov told ESPN on Tuesday, that he was granted his release from the promotion after recently requesting it.
The fighter and close friend of famed former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor, then took to social media to express is interest in several other possible opportunities.
“Locked and loaded, ready to take on anyone and everyone!!! Who wants it!!?!” Lobov wrote on Twitter while tagging the official accounts of Bellator, KSW, RIZIN, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, ONE Champions, and ACA MMA.
Locked and loaded, ready to take on anyone and everyone!!! Who wants it!!?! 👊🇮🇪🇷🇺 @BellatorMMA @KSW_MMA @rizin_PR @bareknucklefc @ONEChampionship @ACA_League
— Artem Lobov (@RusHammerMMA) January 29, 2019
Well, it just so happens that Bare Knuckle FC President David Feldman actually is interested in bringing the SBG Ireland fighter in for competition.
Feldman, who is currently in Mexico promoting Bare Knuckle FC 4 this weekend on pay-per-view, told MyMMANews, “Artem Lobev would be a great addition to the BKFC roster. I feel his style suits our sport perfect. He has expressed interest, so the talks will begin and see if we can put together a deal. I think he could be a real standout in this sport, exactly what we are looking for.”
The Bare Knuckle FC promotion also recently expressed an interest in a sharing a sponsorship opportunity with Proper Whiskey (Proper Twelve), McGregor’s Irish Whiskey business.
Hey @TheNotoriousMMA let’s barter a @ProperWhiskey sponsorship in exchange for a few posts from you promoting our #BKFC4 event you’re coming to next week! Make @ProperWhiskey internationally know with BKFC starting in Mexico! #KnuckleUp👊 🥃 #BKFC4 #USAvsMexico #Feb2
— Bare Knuckle FC (@bareknucklefc) January 24, 2019
Should Lobov sign with Bare Knuckle FC, the famed Irishman “Mystic Mac” may not be too far behind to support his close friend.
Lobov, who first made his appearance with the UFC on season 22 of the Ultimate Fighter in 2015, competed seven times with the promotion (outside the exhibition bouts on the show). All seven of Lobov’s UFC fights were decided by unanimous decision but unfortunately for the “Russian Hammer” only two were in his favor.
Obviously, if signed to Bare Knuckle FC, Lobov would not compete on this coming weekend’s fight card, but opportunity to shine is near as the promotion has already announced cards to be held in New England as well as expressing interest in holding other shows overseas as well.
Bare Knuckle FC 4 will be held this Saturday, February 2, in Cancun, Mexico and pairs Team USA vs. Team Mexico.
Bare Knucle FC 4 fight card:
Bec Rawlings vs. Cecilia Flores
Chris Lytle vs. JC Llamas
Joe Riggs vs. Rudo Tovar
Julian Lane vs. Leonard Garcia
Joey Beltran vs. Tony Lopez (rematch)
Sam Shewmaker vs. Joel Paredes
Tom Shoaff vs. Diego Garigo (rematch)
Order and watch this coming weekend’s Bare Knuckle FC 4 below:
