Artem Lobov gets a lot of stick from certain MMA fans but he can never be accused of being dishonest.
Lobov would be the first to admit that his UFC future hangs in the balance after his most recent defeat but he will have earned many admirers with his behaviour after his most recent weigh-in.
The Straight Blast Gym featherweight was left looking for a late replacement after original opponent Zubaira Tukhugov was removed from the UFC Moncton co-main event because of his involvement in the UFC 229 melee.
Michael Johnson answered the call on short notice but it was always going to be a big ask to cut to 146lbs and credit to the TUF 12 finalist because he made it down as low as 147lbs after cutting almost 30lbs.
Lobov looked confused by one scorecard https://t.co/95fsqvT84V
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 28, 2018
There was never any danger that Lobov was going to walk away from the fight and he was so grateful for Johnson’s decision to fight him and valiant attempt to make weight that he promised to return the 20 per cent that ‘The Menace’ was forced to forfeit.
“I told the UFC to save me the trouble of transferring the cash and just pay him in full,” Lobov told Ariel Helwani at the weigh-ins. “I’m happy to sign any waivers.
He added: “I show respect where it’s due. Always.”
On Thursday, Johnson confirmed that Lobov was not just trying to make himself look good and had indeed returned the money as promised.
In my book respect is always earned, never given. Hats off to @rushammer for not only a tough fight our last outing, but also being a man of your word. Respect was earned, hands down. #victory #teammenace #securethebag #bagsecured #menacecity #ufc pic.twitter.com/ifEIBinr95
— Michael Johnson (@Menace155) November 8, 2018
Johnson thanked Lobov for being a man of his word and reciprocated the respect from ‘The Russian Hammer’, whose next career move will be very interesting.
