Artem Lobov’s return to MMA will have to wait.
Lobov was slated to compete for Arena Fight Championship on Saturday, but the European promotion said Tuesday that it has postponed its AFC 2 event because of a coronavirus outbreak among its staff.
The promotion made the announcement in a memo sent to fighters and media.
“This postponement follows the detection last weekend of six COVID-19 cases, which spread among the teams of the group,” the memo read. “However, for obvious health and ethical reasons, we took the difficult decision to postpone AFC2 in order to avoid exposing you, your coaches, relatives, and families. Indeed, we currently have about 20 positive cases within the organization.
“We are fully aware of the efforts you have made in preparing for your respective fights, and we thank you for this. These are sacrifices that few of us are capable of making. It is precisely this that pushes us to roll up our sleeves so that we can offer you a later date to put the gloves back on and turn the page on this year 2020, which was difficult for everyone.”
In a statement provided to MMA Junkie, Lobov said he was “gutted” by the news.
“I got a phone call from the promoter saying that’s it, the show is canceled. I was gutted, of course. The camp wasn’t easy as it is between injuries and this and the other and COVID, but I got it done, as I always do, and was looking forward to putting on a great show,” Lobov said. “And, of course, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to the payday, but what can you do? Life goes on. I will rebuild, I will recover, and I will be back stronger than ever. …
“I know I will recover and keep pushing forward. We will get that fight done in the new year, and I will get that belt – and that paycheck. Thank you very much to everyone for their support and understanding. I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.”
Lobov (13-15-1), who signed a one-fight deal to meet Ylies Djirou for the promotion’s lightweight title, was set to compete in MMA for the first time since Oct. 27, 2018, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Michael Johnson at UFC Fight Night 138. It was Lobov’s third consecutive loss and dropped his record to 2-5 with the UFC, which released him from his contract two months later.
Lobov spent 2019 fighting bare knuckle for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, where he competed three times. His most high-profile bare-knuckle boxing bout came against former boxing champ Paulie Malignaggi, which he won by unanimous decision. Lobov also split a pair of bouts with fellow former UFC fighter Jason Knight, including an all-time bloody classic at BKFC 5.
Lobov, a good friend and SBG Ireland teammate of Conor McGregor, recently told MMA Junkie Radio that his plans for 2021 included competition across MMA, boxing and a return to BKFC.
Artem Lobov’s MMA return off after COVID-19 outbreak among Arena Fight Championship staff