The heated rivalry between the two will finally exploded. Former UFC fighter Artem Lobov (13-15-1) rallied to take a unanimous decision win over Paulie Malignaggi (36-8).
They met each other at the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
Malignaggi talked plenty of trash in the leadup to the bout in Tampa with McGregor’s training partner. But when the duo finally got into the ring, the bout was a tactical affair.
“John Sullivan, 1882, the first Irishman to become bare knuckle champion, and that is what is best,” said the adopted Irishman by way of Russia. “Bare knuckle world champion, I’m bringing it back.”
“You know to me, there are many people who talk a lot of (expletive), and then they don’t show up,” Lobov said. “Paulie shows up. You can like him or hate him, but in terms of a fighter, he shows up tonight to fight.”
Thank you all for your support, I couldnt have done it without you!! 👊🇮🇪🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/6pbScPap7R
— Artem Lobov (@RusHammerMMA) June 23, 2019
Malignaggi appeared to be in disbelief over the result.
“Maybe this wasn’t meant to be,” Malignaggi said. “A lot of people in boxing said: “you shouldn’t do this, you’re a two-time world champion, this is beneath you.”
BKFC 6 results:
Artem Lobov def. Paulie Malignaggi via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
Dakota Cochrane def. Chris Leben via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
Johnny Bedford def. Reggie Barnett Jr. via unanimous decision (47-45, 47-45, 48-44)(Bedford wins BKFC and Police Gazette lightweight titles)
Julian Lane def. Tom Shoaff via unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45)
Joey Beltran def. Jamie Campbell via KO – Round 2, 1:50
Walber Barros vs. Joe Riggs, unanimous draw (47-47, 47-47, 47-47)
Abdiel Velazquez def. Travis Thompson via unanimous decision (49-46 48-47 50-45)
Jim Alers def. Elvin Brito via KO – Round 1, 0:45
Chris Boffil def. Jared Hayes via TKO – Round 3, 1:55
David Mundell def. Drew Lipton via KO – Round 1, 1:35
