After claiming his first official UFC win, Artem Lobov is a marked man.
For some reason, Lobov’s association with UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor has put something of a target on his back and his was the first name on the lips of Jeremy Kennedy following his victory at the weekend.
UFC fighter Artem Lobov took a page from Nate Diaz’s playbook and STOCKTON SLAPPED Diaz’s own teammate! #UFC202https://t.co/xHH9kupECf
— AtTheBuzzer (@TheBuzzerOnFOX) August 21, 2016
For his Octagon debut, Canada’s Kennedy was tasked with a lightweight clash against fellow newcomer Alessandro Ricci on the first bout on the Fight Pass prelims of UFC on FOX 21.
Kennedy extended his undefeated professional record to nine with a unanimous decision but in the wake of his win, ‘JBC’ remained adamant that his future lies at 145lb and he’s willing to fight Lobov for his place in the division.
“There’s guys – not to call anyone out, but Artem [Lobov],” Kennedy said. “Those guys are just holding up spots in that division. That’s why I’m not allowed – that’s why we’re not signed as featherweights, it’s because there’s not enough room there. But you’ve got guys like him. Let’s fight – let’s see who can hang in the featherweight division. I’ll fight him for that spot. I want to be at 145lb.
“I watched his fight with Chris Avila. That was the most recent thing. There’s lots of guys. I think I match up great against guys like Alex Caceres and Yair Rodriguez. From the 15 down, or even up, if you want to throw me in with them, I’m sure I’ll contend.
“I’m young. I’m 23. I think I can be competing with all those guys at 145lb. There should be no reason why I’m giving up a 10lb disadvantage if I don’t have to.”
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