Artem Lobov returns to conclude a seven-year rivalry
World-renowned fighter Artem Lobov returns to the MMA cage next month when he makes his PFL debut in Dubai. Photo: Artem Lobov, Instagram
Image: Artem Lobov, Instagram
The combat sports world is preparing for a long-awaited showdown as Artem “The Russian Hammer” Lobov makes his way back to MMA. On October 3, Lobov will meet Zubaira Tukhugov in a 165-pound catchweight clash at the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – The Rematch, hosted at the Coca-Cola Arena.
For Lobov (14-15-1), who has fought across MMA, bare-knuckle boxing, and other combat sports, the bout represents more than just another fight—it’s a chance to finally close a rivalry that has simmered since 2018.
Back in October 2018, Lobov was set to face Tukhugov (20-6-1) at UFC Fight Night 138. But the match never materialized. Instead, a heated confrontation between their camps escalated, leading to one of the biggest nights in UFC history.
That conflict became a catalyst for Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229, a pay-per-view blockbuster that sold a record 2.4 million buys. The night was remembered not just for the fight, but for the infamous post-fight brawl inside the T-Mobile Arena.
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Because of the fallout, the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended Tukhugov, and Lobov’s fight was canceled. He instead stepped in against Michael Johnson, dropping a unanimous decision in what would be his final UFC appearance.
Lobov’s career has been turbulent and often overshadowed by his close, then fractured, relationship with Conor McGregor. Once teammates and self-described “brothers” at SBG Ireland, their friendship soured after Lobov filed a lawsuit in Ireland’s High Court, claiming he was owed a share of the profits from McGregor’s whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve.
Despite the controversies, Lobov carved out a niche as a fan favorite for his willingness to fight anyone, anywhere. His ventures included bare-knuckle boxing, where he briefly retired in 2021. But as he admits, “fighting is in my blood,” and the itch to compete brought him back.
Now, nearly seven years later, Lobov and Tukhugov finally meet. Both fighters are coming off losses—Lobov in bare-knuckle, Tukhugov by split decision at UFC 284—but the stakes remain personal.
Main card graphic for PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai: The Rematch
Image: Graphic
“This story is too big to end without a fight,” Lobov said during a PFL media call. “Back then, he told me to say things to his face while surrounded by ten guys. Now it’s one-on-one. Two lions settling it the way lions do.”
Tukhugov, known for his grappling and sharp striking, is equally motivated: “If Artem still feels it’s an open topic, then we definitely have to go to the Smart Cage and close this question there. We have a score to settle.”
While neither man is fighting for a title, the bout is billed as one of the most compelling storylines on a 12-fight card stacked with talent.
The main event will see the undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) defends his PFL Lightweight World Title in a high-stakes rematch with Ireland’s Paul Hughes (14-2), while the Co-Main Event sees former Bellator champion Corey Anderson (19-6) takes on 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1).
For Lobov, the return isn’t just about settling scores—it’s about legacy. “When I fight, the world watches,” he said.
“This fight is global. It will be watched far beyond Russia or Ireland. This is the kind of fight you dream of being part of.”
Tickets for PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – The Rematch are available now at www.coca-cola-arena.com.
IOL Sport