Twitter Reacts to Paulie Malignaggi Slapping Artem Lobov
With no major mixed martial arts event this weekend, things were supposed to be nice and calm in the world of combat sports this week. That all changed when Paulie Malignaggi and Artem Lobov met in New York City during a media day for the latter’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship bout this weekend, all hell broke loose.
The altercation started off strictly verbal, with both men exchanging words. As the distance decreased between both men, Malignaggi slapped Lobov across the face.
The two fighters were separated, but not before more pleasantries were exchanged.
MMA Twitter is a very opinionated place, with interesting people, personalities, and takes.
Here are some of the notable Twitter reactions to the Paulie Malignaggi vs. Artem Lobov incident:
Paulie Malignaggi just slapped Artem Lobov at a BKFC media event in NY. The two had to be restrained. Didn’t notice until the very end that a very large, backpack-wearing Rumble Johnson was holding Malignaggi back. https://t.co/cJKieHAO2L
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 2, 2019
@PaulMalignaggi is a real gangster. Sbg is a slap team. https://t.co/XtpmmjmJqa
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) April 2, 2019
If Paulie wants to fight Artem under bare knuckle rules that's one thing but to slap him face to face like that and have people break it up is nonsense. I don't think Paulie wins in a kick boxing match. #mmalam #doubleleg #lowkick #elbow #different https://t.co/xF5bWkgulD
— Justin Buchholz (@JustinBuchholz) April 3, 2019
Is that Rumble Johnson holding Paulie back with one hand and filming the whole scene on his phone with the other? Because if so he's already proving his worth as a BKFC employee. pic.twitter.com/0A3nM5MM5F
— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) April 2, 2019
This is the reality. I don't expect hardcore McGregor fans to like him, but Paulie is an interesting guy, fantastic analyst and great conversationalist. #theMMAHour https://t.co/Ft6lcG9eNb
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) April 2, 2019
“What did the five fingers say to the face?? SLAP!! I'm Rick James Bitch.” https://t.co/nfIOp8MlGS
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) April 2, 2019
— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) April 2, 2019
— Chris Avila (@chrisavila209) April 2, 2019
That’s the best shot the little fanny pad will land on you between now and when you put him in hospital
— Peter Queally (@peterqueally) April 2, 2019
Artem Lovov (13-15-1 MMA) is scheduled to square off with fellow UFC veteran Jason Knight in his BKFC debut later this month.
As for Paulie Malignaggi (36-8 boxing), the “Magic Man” signed with BKFC early last month. The former boxing champion has not competed since March of 2017.
What was your reaction to today’s scuffle between Paulie Malignaggi and Artem Lobov? Sound off in the comments section Penn Nation!
Topics:
Artem Lobov BKFC Paulie Malignaggi
