Advantage SBG.
In the Stockton vs. Dublin narrative that has been hovering over UFC 202, it was the latter that drew first blood as Artem Lobov claimed his first official victory in the UFC.
SBG featherweight Lobov butchered the left leg of opponent Chris Avila, a teammate of Nate Diaz, on the UFC 202 prelims en route to a unanimous decision.
Lobov, who had made no secret that his job was in danger after going 0-2 in the UFC, dominated the striking realm from the opening bell to ensure that his hand would be raised after the fifteen minutes.
Dublin 1-0 Stockton! @RusHammerMMA gets the decision after a dominant performance! ???? pic.twitter.com/2zVKp7TTkq
— #UFC202 (@btsportufc) August 21, 2016
The 30-year-old’s comfort on the feet was best highlighted in round two when he landed with a slap to the face of Avila, a promotional newcomer.
The act of dismissively slapping opponents is a technique made made famous by both Nate and Nick Diaz in the Octagon and it added insult to injury as the heavy-handed Lobov coasted to a 30-27 win.
“In times of war, my brothers never let me down,” the TUF 22 runner-up said after the fight. “The Russian and the Irish hammers.”
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