Artem Lobov (his full name is not disclosed in sources; born in Nizhny Novgorod) is a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and bare-knuckle boxing competitor who has been active since 2010.[3] A native of Nizhny Novgorod, he has lived abroad since the age of 14 — first moving with his family to Argentina, then to Ireland, where he became known primarily as a close friend and the main sparring partner of Conor McGregor.[2][3]
MMA and UFC Career
Lobov came to combat sports at the age of 21.[3] He has competed in MMA since 2010; over his career he has fought 29 bouts — 13 wins, 15 losses, and 1 draw.[3] From 2015 to 2018 he competed in the UFC, where he fought 6 bouts and won 2.[3] In the expert community, Lobov is generally regarded as a solid mid-level mixed martial artist.[3]
Bare-Knuckle Fighting (Bare Knuckle FC)
After leaving the UFC, Lobov moved to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships (Bare Knuckle FC), an organization specializing in bare-knuckle bouts. In this league he fought twice and won both times.[1]
On June 25, 2019, in the United States, Lobov defeated former world boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi. During the fight both athletes suffered broken hands, yet the bout went the full distance. After the victory, Lobov raised the flags of Russia and Ireland.[1][2]
On July 24, 2021, at the Palace of Sports in Kyiv, as part of the Makhach FC show, Lobov faced Ukrainian boxer Denys Berinchyk, a five-time defender of the WBO International title. The bout was fought under bare-knuckle rules.[3]
Nizhny Novgorod Connection
Lobov was born and raised in Nizhny Novgorod, leaving the city at the age of 14.[2] Nizhny Novgorod media outlets count him among the city's own and follow his career abroad.[1][2]
Sources
- Vremya N — Nizhny Novgorod native Artem Lobov defeated world boxing champion Paul Malignaggi
- Open Nizhny — Conor McGregor's best friend from Nizhny Novgorod defeated a former world champion in a fight with a broken hand
- sport.znaj.ua — Denis Berinchik is preparing for a tough fight with Artem Lobov — ZNAI UA