The rule-set for Artem Lobov’s next fight has been confirmed.
Lobov has remained open to bouts in mixed martial arts, boxing and kickboxing since his request to be released from the UFC was granted last month but his next outing will instead take place in Bare Knuckle FC.
The SBG fighter was let go from his UFC contract after a seven-fight stint with the world’s preeminent MMA organisation and was quickly approached by potential promoters.
According to Ariel Helwani, Lobov has signed a three-fight, six-figure deal with Bare Knuckle FC and will fight fellow former UFC veteran Jason Knight on April 20.
‘The Russian Hammer’ is also free to negotiate with MMA promoters during his spell as a bare-knuckle boxer.
Artem (@RusHammerMMA) Lobov has signed a three-fight, six-figure deal with Bare Knuckle FC, Lobov told ESPN. His debut will be against former UFC fighter Jason Knight on April 20. He also gets PPV points. The deal allows him to sign with an MMA promotion, as well.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 13, 2019
Bare-knuckle boxing has gathered a cult following in recent years, with high-profile fighters such as Chris Lytle, Bec Rawlings and Joey Beltran all ditching gloves for Bare Knuckle FC.
Lobov continues to express his desire to meet Zubaira Tukhugov in a grudge match after Tukhugov struck Lobov’s long-time teammate, Conor McGregor, in the now-famous UFC 229 post-fight melee.
Speaking on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show last week, Lobov said: “I’m willing to fight Zubaira on whatever notice in any place in the world. This fight to me is not about money…it’s about respect and making it right.”
