Artem Lobov thinking about asking to be released from UFC

Artem Lobov was edged out by Andre Fili during their UFC FIght Night 118 contest that took place in Gdansk, Poland over the weekend. Fili was given the judge’s unanimous decision after their three-round fight came to an end.

Lobov now holds a professional MMA record of 13-14 with one draw and one no-contest. After the loss, Lobov tweeted that he is unsure of what his future holds as he does not want to retire and come back to fighting numerous times. Interestingly, the SBG Ireland teammate and close friend to UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor said after his fight with Fili that he may even consider going to try a new combat sport and have a go at boxing like “The Notorious” just did if the UFC will allow him to do so.

“I wouldn’t mind chancing my arm in boxing. I do know I have a contract with the UFC,” Lobov said to BT Sport immediately after the fight (transcribed by Anton Tabuena for Bloody Elbow). “I’ll talk to them. I’ll ask them, would they release me maybe, and allow me to take a few boxing fights?”

When asked if he had any boxing opponents in mind, the interviewer brought up Paulie Malignaggi’s name. Malignaggi and McGregor have some rivaled history as sparring partners as Malignaggi was asked by McGregor’s team to be a part of the sparring team leading up to the Mayweather vs McGregor boxing match. Malignaggi has been pushing for a boxing match with “The Notorious” ever since Malignaggi removed himself from McGregor’s training camp.

“Paulie wouldn’t be a bad fight,” said Lobov. “I know he’s after big paydays. He’s retired, so he might not be interested in a fight against me, but if he was I would be all for it.”

on 10/23/2017.