Artem Lobov loves a slugfest and he got just that on Saturday night in the main event of the latest card from the controversial promotion, Bare Knuckle FC.
Headlining BKFC 5 was a five-round clash between Artem and Jason Knight - both former UFC fighters - and both men will be sporting the scars from the contest for some time.
Lobov came out on top and was awarded the unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-46) although it was clear to see that Knight felt he had done enough to deserve the win.
After the bout, both fighters took to social media to show off the facial damage that can be sustained when gloves are not used for five rounds of punching.
https://twitter.com/RusHammerMMA/status/1114800298076397568
https://twitter.com/Jasonthekid23/status/1114768588634771456
While Lobov's cuts will definitely need some time to heal, it was announced after Saturday's fight that 'The Russian Hammer' will meet former two-weight world boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi at a BKFC show on June 22.
Lobov and Malignaggi have history together stemming back to Malignaggi's sparring sessions with Lobov's long-time training partner and close friend, Conor McGregor.
https://twitter.com/GIFsZP/status/1114735008487550976
When Lobov and Malignaggi came face-to-face with one another earlier this week, it resulted in a scuffle after Malignaggi slapped the Straight Blast Gym fighter in the face.
Malignaggi signed a deal with Bare Knuckle FC last month and while he immediately began pushing for a score-settling clash with McGregor, he will have to make do with Lobov.
