When it comes to Artem Lobov’s first time competing in a bare-knuckle fight, consider Conor McGregor impressed.
On Saturday night, Lobov and fellow former UFC fighter Jason Knight both made their bare-knuckle debuts against each other in the Bare Knuckle FC 5 main event. It was a classic, blood-soaked brawl that went all five rounds, culminating with Lobov earning a unanimous-decision victory to set up a potential showdown with former boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi.
By Sunday night, McGregor took to Twitter to heap praise on his friend and SBG Ireland teammate, Lobov, while taking a jab at Malignaggi. McGregor also stood up for Lobov getting a new contract following such a brutal and entertaining fight, saying “it has been earned and now deserved.”
What an animal!
Proud of you @RusHammerMMA! Amazing fight
Paulie’s nice and quiet all of a sudden and that’s not like him haha
We want a new contract for the @RusHammerMMA for this next bout!
It has been earned and now deserved!
What a great showing @Jasonthekid23.
Big respect!
Lobov last week told MMA Junkie Radio that he signed a three-fight deal with BKFC when he joined the promotion in February following his release from the UFC. Roughly one month later, Malignaggi signed with BKFC and immediate talk of a showdown began. In the build-up to BKFC 5 last week, Malignaggi slapped Lobov at a media event in New York, nearly setting off a brawl. BKFC President David Feldman squared them up afterward for a face-off.
Malignaggi has wanted a crack at McGregor ever since their ugly fallout from training together for McGregor boxing match with Floyd Mayweather. A shot at one of McGregor best friends, though, should suffice as a nice consolation.
For more on the upcoming MMA schedule, visit the MMA Rumors section of the site.
