Bare Knuckle FC 9 results: Jason Knight executes technical plan to TKO Artem Lobov in rematch

Jason Knight lived up to his promise to reel back on brawling in his Bare Knuckle FC 9 rematch with Artem Lobov, and the result was positive.

Knight fought a technical bout, busting up Lobov’s eye with solid punches en route to a fifth-round TKO in the headlining bout at Mississippi Event Center in Biloxi, Miss.

“I stayed strategic. I knew exactly what I was supposed to do,” Knight said in his post-fight interview. “I was prepared. I was technically sound, and I was prepared for the fight the right way. I told myself the whole training camp that I’m going to fight the fight I’m supposed to fight.”

It was evident from the outset that Knight was keen to use his length and reach more so than the first fight. He connected with some good hooks, and one hard right seemed to briefly stagger Lobov. Knight implemented solid head movement, as well, dodging Lobov’s winging shots and mixing in punches to the head and body.

Knight continued his momentum into the second frame, switching stances and picking Lobov apart. Lobov struggled to find an effective range for himself. With a mouse under his eye, he got cracked with a straight right hand from Knight that resulted in the first knockdown of the fight. Lobov got up before the count, and Knight couldn’t capitalize to finish the fight.

The third round got briefly delayed because there was no doctor ringside, but the action resumed and Knight settled in. There were no major moments in the middle frame, but Knight continued to avoid damage. Lobov, who experienced multiple cuts to the face, suffered worse swelling around his eyes.

With Knight clearly ahead going into the fourth, Lobov picked up the pace out of desperation. He mixed up his stance and range and landed some of his best punches of the fight, but the lack of impact made it difficult to get Knight’s respect. Despite that, it was Lobov’s best round.

Going into the fifth, Lobov’s eye was badly damaged and nearly swollen completely shut. Knight put the pressure back on and connected with more good punches. Knight caught Lobov with a counter right hand that hit Lobov in the eye, forcing Lobov to go down to his knees. He stood up before the count was finished, but Lobov’s corner had seen enough and told the referee to wave it off at the 0:29 mark of Round 5.

With the series between Knight and Lobov tied at 1-1 after two bouts, Knight said he’s prepared for a trilogy.

“Of course, if he wants it,” Knight said. “I love that guy. I respect that guy; he respects me. Anytime he gets in here and wants to do it a third time, I’m ready.”

Lobov, however, admitted to being emotional and wasn’t ready to commit to anything about his future.

“Of course, I have to go back now,” Lobov said. “The emotions are very low after a loss, especially a stoppage loss, so it (expletive) hurts double bad for me. You just have to take it and accept it and move forward. I’ll have to see what happens.”