Pros react to Artem Lobov defeating Paulie Malignaggi at BKFC 6

A highly anticipated grudge match between bitter rivals Paulie Malignaggi and Artem Lobov headlined tonight’s BKFC 6 event in Tampa Bay.

Malignaggi (36-8 boxing) was making his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut at tonight’s event.

Tonight’s fight marked Paulie’s first appearance since March of 2017, where he had suffered a TKO loss to Sam Eggington in his bid for the WBC International Welterweight title.

Prior to his failed title bid, Paulie Malignaggi had strung together three straight decision victories over opponents Laszlo Fazekas, Antonio Moscatiello and Gabriel Bracero.

Meanwhile, Artem Lobov entered tonight’s BKFC 6 main event on the heels of a unanimous decision victory over fellow UFC veteran Jason Knight in his promotional debut this past April.

The victory snapped a three-fight losing skid for ‘The Russian Hammer’, as Lobov had previously suffered decision setbacks to Cub Swanson, Andre Fili and Michael Johnson inside the octagon.

Prior to tonight’s contest, Artem Lobov was involved in an altercation with some members of Team Paulie Malignaggi at the weigh ins (watch that here).

With that said, tensions were at an all-time high when the bitter rivals entered the ring this evening.

Tonight’s BKFC 6 main event resulted in a very close battle. Both Paulie and Artem had their moments, but it was Lobov’s intense forward pressure throughout the fight that seemed to sway the judges opinion.

After five rounds of action, the judges awarded Artem Lobov a unanimous decision victory over Paulie Malignaggi 48-47 on all three scorecards.

Check out how the pros reacted to tonight’s BKFC 6 main event between Paulie Malignaggi and Artem Lobov below:

Malagnaggi looks like Lobov took a selfie with the snapchat baby filter on. #BKFC6

— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) June 23, 2019

Artem won the fight to me. Idk who wins the judges decision #BKFC6

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) June 23, 2019

Congrats @RusHammerMMA #ArtemLobov

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) June 23, 2019

Hey, remember when I wanted to fight Artem at 155 and people was like, "the fuck?"… #BKFC6

— Mike Jackson, Esq. (@TheTruthJackson) June 23, 2019

The more Paulie talks the more that cut opens up, ouch

— ike vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) June 23, 2019

Congrats @RusHammerMMA

— ike vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) June 23, 2019

Congrats @RusHammerMMA

— ike vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) June 23, 2019

Congrats @RusHammerMMA

— Mick Maynard (@Mickmaynard2) June 23, 2019

What did you think of tonight’s BKFC 6 main event between Paulie Malignaggi and Artem Lobov? Sound off in the comments section PENN Nation!

June 22, 2019