Just about everyone who saw Saturday night’s Fight of the Year candidate between Artem Lobov and Jason Knight in the main event of Bare Knuckle FC 5 in Biloxi, Mississippi, has been quick to pay tribute to both men for the ravages they put themselves through in pursuit of victory and also, of course, the goal of putting on an entertaining fight.
It was ‘job done’ on both accounts for Artem Lobov, who had his hand raised after 5 x 2 minute rounds of intense back and forth action to earn his first bare knuckle victory and setting up a June date with Paulie Malignaggi.
Lobov’s longtime friend and training partner, Conor McGregor, joined the chorus of fans and fighters who noted their appreciation for those 10 minutes of action inside the BKFC ring last Saturday, writing his appreciation for both fighters on social media and also noting that Lobov has achieved something somewhat unique in the fight game — quietening the usually outspoken Malignaggi.
What an animal!
Proud of you @RusHammerMMA! Amazing fight
Paulie’s nice and quiet all of a sudden and that’s not like him haha
We want a new contract for the @RusHammerMMA for this next bout!
It has been earned and now deserved!
What a great showing @Jasonthekid23.
Big respect! https://t.co/dQKWIKCRd0— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 8, 2019
“What an animal!,” McGregor wrote. “Proud of you Russian Hammer! Amazing fight.
“Paulie’s nice and quiet all of a sudden and that’s not like him haha. We want a new contract for the Russian Hammer for his next bout! It has been earned and now deserved.
“What a great showing, Jason Knight. Big respect!”
Thanks brother!! Great war it was!! Jason is as tough as they come!!!
— Artem Lobov (@RusHammerMMA) April 8, 2019
Thanks for the respect !!! I became a fan of the @RusHammerMMA , maybe you guys aren’t too bad after all !! Artem was a class act
— Jason TheKid Knight (@Jasonthekid23) April 8, 2019
Both Lobov and Knight responded to McGregor’s tweet, with Lobov saying how much he enjoyed the “war” with his American opponent and Knight thanking McGregor for the shout-out and making clear his appreciation for ‘The Russian Hammer’.
In addition, both Knight and Lobov have exemplified good natured sportsmanship in the aftermath of their fight. Knight thanked Lobov in his own social media post for giving him “the fight I’ve always wanted” while Lobov asked for the Mississippi native to DM him his address so he could send some drinks to him to help with the healing process.
We may look rough , but @RusHammerMMA gave me the fight iv always wanted !!! Much respect brother!!! Good luck in your future endevors!! https://t.co/c4D1wQ0lH1
— Jason TheKid Knight (@Jasonthekid23) April 7, 2019
Like wise Jason!! Serious scrap that was!! DM me your address so I can send you some nice drinks to help the healing 👊
— Artem Lobov (@RusHammerMMA) April 7, 2019
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