Lobov wants UFC release to try boxing, says Malignaggi ‘wouldn’t be a bad fight’
Artem Lobov says he may just ask the UFC for a release so he can compete in professional boxing.
Artem Lobov lost a unanimous decision to Andre Fili this past weekend at UFC Gdansk. After the loss, his 4th in 6 bouts, the Russian fighter then took to social media to say that he is now unsure of what the future holds for him.
Not sure what the future holds dont want to be retiring & coming back a thousand times. Will think about the futue & update.Thank u all
— Artem Lobov (@RusHammerMMA) October 21, 2017
Lobov admitted that he was frustrated by being held down and wrestled, and says he’s considering a similar career trajectory as his popular sparring partner in Conor McGregor.
“I wouldn’t mind chancing my arm in boxing. I do know I have a contract with the UFC,” he told BT Sport. “I’ll talk to them. I’ll ask them, would they release me maybe, and allow me to take a few boxing fights?”
Lobov was then asked if he had any opponents in mind for boxing, and maybe one with McGregor’s former sparring partner turned rival in Paulie Malignaggi.
“Paulie wouldn’t be a bad fight. 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.”