Tag Archives: Artem Lobov

Jason “The Kid” Knight to headline iKON 5

 

iKON 5 STREAMING LIVE & EXCLUSIVELY ON UFC FIGHT PASS® 

MARCH 5th FROM BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI 

LAS VEGAS (February 18, 2021) – Mississippi featherweight Jason “The Kid” Knight will headline iKON 5, streaming live and exclusively March 5th on UFC FIGHT PASS®, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, from Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. 

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, please visit www.ufcfightpass.comor download the UFC app. 

iKON 5 is presented by iKON Fighting Federation in association with Roy Jones Jr. Boxing. 

“We’re thrilled to return to where iKON Fighting Federation started last September,” iKON president Keith Veltre said.  “We’ve improved each show from then and are prepared for a breakout year in 2021.  We were able to successfully launch a new MMA company during a pandemic, despite all of the challenging restrictions, and we’re moving forward full force this year as we continue growing.”  

The 28-year-old Knight (20-6-0), fighting out of Lucedale (MS), is coming off an impressive bare knuckle fighting victory last November, when he stopped former UFC fighter Artem Lebov in the fifth round.  A Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai specialist, Knight fought in the UFC between 2015 and 2018.  He is matched against Taurean Boggues (15-11-0) in the main event. 

Undefeated Louisiana welterweight “The Ghost” AJ Fletcher (6-0-0) will face an opponent to be determined in the co-featured event. 

Tallahassee (FL) welterweight Socrates “The Sounds of Kaos” Pierre (11-6-0), who is matched against local favorite Harris “Sandman” Stephenson (6-2-0), another fighter with a bare-knuckle fighting background.  

Also slated to be in action is Charlie Decca (2-0-0), of Miami, who will throw-down with Alabama’s Kyle McDonough (0-1-0) at a catchweight. 

Three female strawweight matches are scheduled: California’s Valerie “The Violator” Wong (0-1-0), who made her pro debut in Invicta, vs. Denver’s Kathryn Paprocki (2-1-0)), Louisiana’s pro-debuting Macy Breaux vs. Orlando’s (FL) Shawna “Bam Bam” Ormsby (2-2-0), and West Palm Beach’s (FL) Kayla “K-Rock” Hracho (3-2-0, iKON: 2-0-0) vs. Knoxville’s (TN) Emilee King (4-4-0). There is another female fight on tap between pro-debuting Alabama flyweight Griffin Fisk vs. Connecticut’s Alexandra Ballou (1-0-0), who won her pro-debut in Bellator competition. 

Card subject to change. 

INFORMATION:  

Websites:   http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.comwww.ufcfightpass.com  

Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre  

Twitter: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial 

Instagram: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing 

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing.  RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years.  Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.    


Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: NABF super flyweight champion, IBF #8 and WBC # 15 Jade “Hurricane” Bornea (15-0, 10 KOs); two-time world title challenger, WBO #11 bantamweight “Mighty” Aston Palicte (26-4-1, 22 KOs); NABF welterweight champion, WBC #14 and Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (24-0, 18 KOs); former NABA welterweight champion Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-2, 8 KOs), former Interim World middleweight title challenger John “The Phenom” Vera (19-1, 11 KO), unbeaten super middleweight prospect Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0-1, 7 KOs), and former WBC World Youth heavyweight titlist Alexander “The Great” Flores (18-3-1, 16 KOs).  

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

STACKED NIGHT OF BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION LEADS UP TO ARTEM LOBOV VS. JASON KNIGHT REMATCH SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

BKFC Heavyweight Champion Chase Sherman Battles Joey Beltran,
All-Action Brawlers Johnny Bedford & Charles Bennett Square-Off &
Helen Peralta Faces Maia Kahunaele in Women’s Showdown

Plus! Gulfport’s Harris Stephenson Returns to Battle Kenny Licea,
All from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi

BILOXI, MS. (November 7, 2019) – A jam packed night of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship action will lead up to the highly anticipated main event rematch between Artem Lobov and Jason Knight on Saturday, November 16live on pay-per-view from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss.
 
The co-main event will see BKFC Heavyweight Champion and Mississippi-nativeChase Sherman defending his title against hard-hitting veteran Joey Beltran, plus BKFC staple Johnny Bedford battles Charles Bennett and Helen Peraltareturns to action after a victory on BKFC 7 to face former Ultimate Fighter competitor Maia Kahuanele.

“BKFC 9” will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television distribution outlets for $29.99. It will also be available to BKFC’s international broadcast partners worldwide and via stream to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices through FITE.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at www.bareknuckle.tv or the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office.
 
The lineup continues with Gulfport, Mississippi’s Harris Stephenson facing Missouri’s Kenny Licea in a 170-pound bout, Mississippi-native Kaleb Harris in a 165-pound clash against Delaware’s Jeff Chiffens, plus another Mississippi-native entering the ring when Adam Pellerano meets Joe Pegg in a 150-pound duel.
 
Rounding out the night are a pair of 205-pound clashes as Maine’s Chris Sarrobattles West Virginia’s John McAllister while Oregon’s Wes Combs steps in against Mississippi’s Adrian Miles.
 
Fighting out of D’lberville, Mississippi, Sherman won the BKFC title from Arnold Adams at BKFC 7 in August. Sherman has fought seven times in UFC and 13 of his 14 pro MMA wins have come by TKO or knockout. He’s undefeated in his last five pro fights, with four wins and a draw.
 
Beltran has quickly become a BKFC mainstay, compiling a 2-1-1 record, with a win and a draw coming against Tony Lopez in a pair of memorable fights, including a Fight of the Year contender in June 2018 on the first BKFC card (Watch their first fight HERE and behind the scenes before their rematch HERE). Fighting out of Carlsbad, California, Beltran’s last BKFC fight saw him stop Jamie Campbell in the second round in June.
 
Bedford is one of the most accomplished BKFC fighters since the company’s inception, having won all four of his bare knuckle fights, and most recently became the BKFC Lightweight Champion by defeating Reggie Barnett Jr. on BKFC 6 in June. He will be moving up in weight to take Ocala, Florida’s Bennett, who was defeated in his only BKFC outing, but has a long pro MMA career of delivering exciting action no matter where he’s fighting.
 
After an impressive amateur MMA career, Iowa’s Peralta won two of her three Invicta fights in 2018. She made her BKFC debut earlier this year, defeating Christine Ferea at BKFC 7 in August. She looks to build on that momentum when she takes on Victorville, California’s Kahaunaele, who competed on the Ultimate Fighter Season 26 and most recently dropped a UFC contest to Polyana Viana. She had previously put together a five-fight MMA win streak prior to being on Ultimate Fighter.
 
# # #
 
About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visitwww.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bareknucklefc on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc/ on YouTube athttps://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCEeMsInLdrUbIkbEcNm7g-A
 and on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

ARTEM LOBOV & JASON KNIGHT TO SQUARE OFF IN REMATCH OF THEIR EPIC BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP CLASH

Lobov vs. Knight II Headlines BKFC 9 Saturday, November 16
Live on Pay-Per-View from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi – 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Tuesday, October 15!

BILOXI, MISS. (October 9, 2019) – Former UFC standout Artem Lobov and Mississippi native Jason Knight will meet in a rematch of their 2019 Fight of the Year candidate as the main event of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship(BKFC) action Saturday, November 16 live on pay-per-view from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss.

“BKFC 9” will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television distribution outlets for $29.99. It will also be available to BKFC’s international broadcast partners worldwide and via stream to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices through FITE.

Tickets for the live event will go on sale Tuesday, October 15 exclusively at www.bareknuckle.tv

The first fight was one of the best fights that I’ve ever watched,” said BKFC founder and president David Feldman. “Lobov and Knight are true gladiators. They exemplify what BKFC is all about and that’s giving the fans what they pay for. I can’t wait to see this rematch, and I think it will be even better than the first one!”
 
“I promised Jason a rematch, and now it’s time to deliver on my promise,” said Lobov. “May the best man win!”
 
“I’m super excited to be the main event at BKFC 9,” said Knight. “It means the world to me to have this opportunity again in front of my hometown crowd. They’re my fans and it’s my house. As for the outcome of this fight, one of us is going to sleep! The judges will not be needed in this fight.”
 
Lobov and Knight first squared off at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in April in the headlining event of BKFC 5. In a fight that saw both men hit the mat, Lobov won a narrow unanimous decision, separated by just a single point on two judges’ scorecards. Watch the action via the BKFC YouTube Page.
 
“I thought he was conquered many times,” said Lobov, immediately after the fight. “I dropped him three or four times. He’s a tough, tough kid. He kept coming and coming. That was a great fight.”
 
“We all know that I didn’t lose that fight,” said Knight, shortly following the loss. “We all know that I got robbed. It’s alright, I’m still going to party tonight.”
 
Lobov followed up the victory over Knight by defeating rival, and former world champion boxer, Paulie Malignaggi in the BKFC 6 main event. That blockbuster event saw unprecedented build-up to a fight that ended with Lobov defeating Malignaggi by decision. A 32-year-old fighter from Russia, Lobov made his name on season 22 of The Ultimate Fighter as part of Team McGregor, where he worked his way to the finals of the tournament before losing to Ryan Hall. He challenged Cub Swanson in a UFC main event in 2016, after picking up victories over Chris Avila and Alex White. He owns 13 professional MMA wins and has carried that experience into BKFC action. Watch Lobov discuss his favorite fighters via the BKFC YouTube Page.
 
Representing his hometown of D’lberville, Miss., Knight has a 20-6 professional MMA record since turning pro at just seventeen-years-old. He made his UFC debut in 2015 when he stepped in on just two weeks’ notice to face Tatsuya Kawajiri in The Ultimate Fighter season 22 finale, dropping a unanimous decision. Knight went on to win his next four UFC bouts between July 2016 and May 2017. A fan favorite in the Mississippi combat sports community, the extremely versatile Knight also won a custom rules grappling match in Biloxi in June.

BKFC 9 will be the company’s sixth event of 2019, following the upcoming BKFC 8 fight night on Saturday, October 19 live on pay-per-view and headlined by former UFC stars Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva and Gabriel Gonzaga going toe-to-toe in heavyweight action. Knight will be in attendance at the Florida State Fairgrounds Entertainment Hall in Tampa for BKFC 8 and be interviewed on the pay-per-view telecast.


# # #
 
About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bareknucklefc on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc/ on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCEeMsInLdrUbIkbEcNm7g-A
 and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.
 

BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP PARTNERS WITH PREMIER SPORTS FOR EXCLUSIVE U.K. BROADCAST DEAL

“BKFC 6: THE LINE IS DRAWN” TO BE SHOWN
LIVE ON PREMIER SPORTS
 
Watch Saturday’s fight for only £9.99 on Sky, Virgin TV
and the Premier Player
 
Click HERE to View Premier Sports Promo Video
 
PHILADELPHIA (June 19, 2019) – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has partnered with Premier Sports who will air “BFKC 6: The Line is Drawn” live and exclusively in the U.K. beginning at 2:00 a.m. (GMT+1) on Sunday, June 23 from Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa, Fla.
 
“BKFC 6: The Line is Drawn” will feature former boxing world champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi making his much-anticipated BKFC debut against former UFC veteran Artem “The Russian Hammer” Lobov.
 
Sharing insights from his training camp, Malignaggi commented, “To prepare for Artem I hit the punching bag a lot more, because Artem is basically a punching bag with legs. I wanted to get used to that and get my fists accustomed to it. This is going to be a painful night for Artem. This is a world-class fighter against a punching bag with feet… It ends with Lobov’s face falling off.”
 
Speaking exclusively to Premier Sports ahead of the fight, Lobov said, “I am delighted that fans in the U.K. will be able to see the fight live. Malignaggi talks a good fight, in the ring there is no place for words. He uses his hands for little slaps, I use mine to hammer faces.”
 
BKFC Founder and President David Feldman said, “BKFC is delighted to partner with Premier Sports in the U.K. and to show this event exclusively to their subscribers. We have had a lot of interest from U.K. fans in this fight and we are excited to partner with Premier Sports to bring top-class bare knuckle boxing and a real grudge match to the fans there.”
 
Richard Webb, COO of Premier Sports added, “There has been huge interest from fans to see this highly anticipated fight and we are thrilled to make BKFC 6 available live and exclusive on Premier Sports in the U.K.”
 
“BKFC 6: The Line is Drawn” will also feature UFC legend Chris Leben as he battles MMA veteran Dakota Cochrane, and the finale of the BKFC Lightweight Tournament between Reggie Barnett and Johnny Bedford.
 
Premier Sports is available in 16 million U.K. homes across Sky and Virgin platforms and to everyone via the Premier Player https://www.premierplayer.tv/. Via the Sky platform, Virgin TV and the Premier Player, the cost is £9.99 per month for new customers. Premier Sports customers on the Sky platform can also get free access to the Premier Player.
 
The event will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television distribution outlets for $39.99. It will also be available worldwide via stream to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices at FITE-TV and www.bareknuckle.tv.


Tickets for “BKFC 6: The Line Is Drawn” are available now exclusively atwww.bareknuckle.tv. Florida will become the latest state to host a BKFC event after previous contests have been held in Wyoming and Mississippi, plus an event that took place in Cancun, Mexico.
 

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Presents Behind the Scenes Preview Show Chronicling Buildup to Highly Anticipated Malignaggi vs. Lobov Grudge Match

CLICK HERE FOR “THE ROAD TO MALIGNAGGI VS. LOBOV”

“BKFC 6: The Line is Drawn” Saturday, June 22 Live on 
Pay-Per-View from Florida State Fairgrounds 
Expo Hall in Tampa, Fla.

PHILADELPHIA (June 13, 2019) – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) will give fans a behind the scenes look at former boxing world championPaulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi and UFC veteran Artem “The Russian Hammer” Lobov ahead of their highly anticipated bare knuckle grudge match on Saturday, June 22.
 
“The Road to Malignaggi vs. Lobov” offers a unique look at the buildup to this summer showdown as camera crews followed Malignaggi in New York and Lobov in Ireland as they prepare to headline “BKFC 6: The Line is Drawn” live on pay-per-view from Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa, Fla.
 
The event will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television distribution outlets for $39.99. It will also be available worldwide via stream to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices at FITE-TV and www.bareknuckle.tv.
 
Tickets for “BKFC 6” are available now exclusively at www.bareknuckle.tv. Florida will become the latest state to host a BKFC event after previous contests have been held in Wyoming and Mississippi, plus an event that took place in Cancun, Mexico.
 
# # #
 
About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP ADDS THREE EXCITING SHOWDOWNS TO “BKFC 6: THE LINE IS DRAWN” ON SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Former Boxing World Champion Randall Bailey Takes on Brazil’s Daniel Santos; Unbeaten Mixed Martial Artist Jamie Campbell Battles Joey Beltran; Julian Lane & Chicago’s Tom Shoaff Match Up in Second BKFC Fights

Live on Pay-Per-View from Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa, Fla.
 
PHILADELPHIA (June 5, 2019) – Three more toe-to-toe bare knuckle matchups have been added to the highly anticipated Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) event headlined by the Paulie Malignaggi vs. Artem Lobov grudge match Saturday, June 22 live on pay-per-view from Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa, Fla.


Former two-division boxing champion Randall Bailey will face off against 24-year-old Brazilian MMA pro Daniel Santos in a 155-pound bout, and unbeaten mixed martial artist Jamie Campbell takes on Joey Beltran, who has engaged in two memorable BKFC fights against Tony Lopez, in a heavyweight contest.


Also returning to BKFC are MMA veterans Julian Lane and Tom Shoaff in a 165-pound attraction. Lane looks to bounce back from a BKFC loss to Leonard Garcia, while Shoaff hopes to build on his BKFC victory over Diego Garijo.


“We’re thrilled to be adding three more matchups of this caliber to the BKFC 6 lineup and there’s still more to come,” said BKFC founder and president David Feldman. “Fight fans who join us in Tampa and those who tune-in on June 22 are going to be treated to a wide variety of fighting styles in some really compelling bare knuckle matchups. As always, we’re promising lots of action and these three fights will be no exception.”


“As a former two-division, three-time world champion in boxing, I feel that I am tailor made for bare knuckle fighting,” said Bailey. “I grew up fighting bare knuckle on the streets of Miami and I know how to win at this game. I was the bare knuckle knockout king before I ever competed in boxing.”


“I am honored and grateful to be invited to fight at BKFC 6,” said Santos. “I’m a veteran of boxing and a capoeira fighter with a lot of experience. I am well prepared and confident that on June 22 I will knock out Randall Bailey! You will see, I’ll give a great fight and surprise everyone. I’m going to grab this opportunity and make a statement so that I can continue to compete in BKFC.”


The main card for this can’t-miss night of fights will begin at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT and will see former UFC veteran Chris Leben in his second BKFC attraction, as he takes on longtime Bellator standout Brennan Ward. Plus, the finals of the BKFC Lightweight Tournament will pit Reggie Barnett againstJohnny Bedford in a showdown for the BKFC Lightweight Championship. All leading up to the main event pitting former boxing world champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi against UFC veteran Artem “The Russian Hammer” Lobov.


The event will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television distribution outlets for $39.99. It will also be available worldwide via stream to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices at FITE-TV and www.bareknuckle.tv.


Tickets for “BKFC 6: The Line Is Drawn” are available now exclusively atwww.bareknuckle.tv. Florida will become the latest state to host a BKFC event after previous contests have been held in Wyoming and Mississippi, plus an event that took place in Cancun, Mexico.
 
# # #
 
About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP PAULIE MALIGNAGGI VS. ARTEM LOBOV NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS


BKFC Returns Saturday, June 22 Headlined by Malignaggi vs. Lobov Grudge Match Live on Pay-Per-View from Florida State Fairgrounds Entertainment Hall in Tampa, Fla.

Also Featuring UFC Veteran Chris Leben Against Bellator Standout Brennan Ward!

Click HERE for Photos from BKFC

NEW YORK (May 20, 2019) – Former boxing world champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi and UFC veteran Artem “The Russian Hammer” Lobov went face-to-face Monday at a heated press conference in New York to officially announce their Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship showdown the headlines action on Saturday, June 22 live on pay-per-view from Florida State Fairgrounds Entertainment Hall in Tampa, Fla.
 
Also squaring off Monday before they battle on BKFC 6 were UFC veteran Chris Leben and longtime Bellator standout Brennan Ward. Televised coverage on June 22 will begin at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. and also feature Reggie Barnett against Johnny Bedford in a showdown for the BKFC Lightweight Championship.
 
The event will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television distribution outlets for $39.99. It will also be available worldwide via stream to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices at FITE-TV and www.bareknuckle.tv.


Tickets for “BKFC 6” are available tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET exclusively atwww.bareknuckle.tv. Florida will become the latest state to host a BKFC event after previous contests have been held in Wyoming and Mississippi, plus an event that took place in Cancun, Mexico.
 
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Monday:
 
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI
 
“I’ve always been known as one of the toughest guys in boxing. Lobov is known as a punching bag with a loud mouth.
 
“If I had it my way, I’d knock him out in the last round. I want to pummel him from start to finish. He’s going to come out trying hard, and then he’s going to get gun shy. He’s going to hesitate to even take a step.
 
“I’m always looking for my next challenge. I wasn’t planning on this, but it was sold to me, and it appealed to me. Artem is a punching bag and I usually hit that for free.
 
“I never lie, because I don’t have to fear anyone. You only lie because you’re afraid. Why are Lobov and his team lying? You know why. I don’t care what they think. I’m going to put this guy out next month.
 
“As I train, I realize that my hands are like razor blades. Get a good look at Lobov’s face, because next month I’m going to make it look like a road map with lines all over it.”
 
ARTEM LOBOV
 
“I feel I have the upper hand in this fight. With age, it’s easier to get knocked out. He’s never hurt anybody in the ring, so it’s going to be a bad matchup for him.
 
“I see me stopping him. He doesn’t want it anymore. In order to be a fighter and really compete, you have to have the fire. His fire is long gone.
 
“My strategy is to come in there and shove my fist down his throat. It’s personal now with the way he’s been talking and acting. I’m going to put him away.
 
“Paulie likes to hide behind the jab and feint. He never lets his hands go. He just hides and tries to make it to the end of the fight.
 
“I’m going to let it all go in that ring on June 22. I’m going to be the ‘Russian Hammer’ from the start until the finish. I want to meet him in the ring and put him away like true warriors do.
 
“I never wrap my hands. Not when I spar, not when I hit the bag or anything. It’s made them tougher. They may not look pretty, but they do a lot of damage.
 
“It’s game over for Paulie. I heard he’s known as the ‘Magic Man’, but I just hope he doesn’t disappear before the fight.”
 
CHRIS LEBEN
 
“Bare knuckle is definitely an exciting sport. It’s all of the good stuff. Two guys going toe-to-toe. It’s what I do best and it puts me in a dangerous position to hurt my opponents. When I first saw BKFC I felt like this sport was made for me.
 
“You can’t really cover up without the glove as a shield in bare knuckle, so it changes how you defend. But it also changes how you hit and where your range is at.
 
“I think this sport was made for me and it’s going to show in the fight. We’re both heavy hitters. Brennan will be my toughest BKFC opponent to date and I’m not taking him lightly. I’m riding a resurgence and it’s not going to stop.
 
“I’m pulling out all the stops and doing everything I can to prepare. Because on June 22, I’m knocking him out.”
 
BRENNAN WARD
 
“Training camp has been going great. I’m really excited because I’ve been waiting to do a bare knuckle fight for a while. I knew right away that this was for me.
 
“I think I have a great skillset for bare knuckle. I’m quick and quick on my feet. I’m strong and have heavy hands. I’m able to brawl or box.
 
“It’s basically a normal training camp for me, but with more boxing than ever. I’ve always boxed a lot anyway, so it’s something that’s come natural for me.
 
“I’m a different fighter than who Leben has fought in BKFC. This sport is so well-suited for me. I just want to brawl. I wasn’t as into the other disciplines in MMA, so when BKFC came around, I was ready to sign on.
 
“I think I’m going to be a force to be reckoned with at BKFC. I’m going to find a nice home and do work in the ring.”
 
DAVID FELDMAN, BKFC Founder & President
 
“This event is getting the kind of coverage it truly warrants. This is going to be a stacked pay-per-view event from top to bottom.
 
“The main event here is a highly anticipated battle. This is the biggest bare knuckle fight in history.
 
“We’re really happy with what we’ve been able to build. If you’ve seen any of our events, you know that it’s non-stop action from the start. We’re proud of what we’ve delivered to fight fans.
 
“People originally said that Artem had no chance against Paulie, but once they saw Artem in his first BKFC fight, fans can see that this might be tougher than anticipated. This is different than boxing and different than MMA. Getting hit with that bare knuckle is different than anything you’ve experienced before.
 
“I’m so excited to bring this fight to Florida and bring this fight to their fans. June 22 live on pay-per-view, this is one you surely do not want to miss.”
 
BRIAN RICCO, Executive Producer & Distributor
 
“We’re very excited to be on our sixth BKFC show in less than a year. Everything has been amazing. We’re expecting a big fight between two great fighters and we’re looking forward to bringing this event to fight fans around the world.”
 
# # #
 
About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Returns Saturday, June 22 Headlined by Paulie Malignaggi vs. Artem Lobov Grudge Match Live on Pay-Per-View from Florida State Fairgrounds Entertainment Hall in Tampa, Fla.


Stacked Night of BKFC 6 Action Features UFC Veteran Chris Leben Against Bellator Standout Brennan Ward, Plus! BKFC Lightweight Championship Showdown Between Reggie Barnett & Johnny Bedford

Tickets on Sale Friday!

PHILADELPHIA (May 20, 2019) – A highly anticipated grudge match between former boxing world champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi and UFC veteran Artem “The Russian Hammer” Lobov will headline Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) action on Saturday, June 22 live on pay-per-view from Florida State Fairgrounds Entertainment Hall in Tampa, Fla.
 

The televised portion of the can’t-miss night of fights will begin at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT and will also see former UFC Veteran Chris Leben in his second BKFC attraction, as he takes on longtime Bellator standout Brennan Ward. Plus, the finals of the BKFC Lightweight Tournament will pit Reggie Barnett against Johnny Bedford in a showdown for the BKFC Lightweight Championship.

“Coming off of our epic battle on April 6 between Artem Lobov and Jason Knight, the momentum is incredible coming into BKFC 6,” said BKFC Founder and President David Feldman. “With the feud that Paulie and Artem have already, this promises to be super exciting. This is bare knuckle and everything changes when they fight bare knuckle. So, whatever plans you have can go out the window quickly. That’s what makes this so exciting and why I am so excited for this fight. I think we will have a lot of eyes on this event and we are very happy to be hosting this in Tampa, one of the best fight markets in the country. I truly can’t wait for June 22.”
 
The event will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television distribution outlets for $39.99. It will also be available worldwide via stream to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices at FITE-TV and www.bareknuckle.tv.


Tickets for “BKFC 6” will be available starting Thursday, May 16 exclusively atwww.bareknuckle.tv. Florida will become the latest state to host a BKFC event after previous contests have been held in Wyoming and Mississippi, plus an event that took place in Cancun, Mexico.
 
Malignaggi vs. Lobov will see the much-discussed rivalry between Malignaggi and MMA star Conor McGregor come to a head when Malignaggi squares off against one of McGregor’s teammates and friends in Lobov. Prior to Lobov’s BKFC debut in which he defeated Jason Knight in April, Malignaggi and Lobov exchanged words and nearly came to blows at a media day in New York. With the June 22 fight date set and buzz continuing to grow, they will soon settle the conflict in the ring.
 
“I’m very excited to make my BKFC debut and for this fight to take place in Florida. Bringing BKFC to another state is only going to help this sport grow faster and attract more attention to bare knuckle fighting,” said Malignaggi. “It’s no secret, Artem and I have some bad blood between us. I don’t like him and I’m looking forward to sinking my fists into his face. June 22 can’t come soon enough. Fans are going to really enjoy this one as the biggest BKFC card yet, and it’ll set the stage for even bigger and better events as more fighters realize that they can make a good living and have a great career in this discipline of combat sports.”
 
“I’m really looking forward to this fight,” said Lobov. “Paulie has been doing a lot of talking. He hasn’t been able to keep his mouth shut, but on June 22 I’m going to silence him. He’s an old boxer who’s coming off of the couch. He’s only doing this because he didn’t manage his money better, so now he has to take a fight against me, ‘The Russian Hammer.’ I expect to maul Paulie in there. He doesn’t know what he’s in for. I’m going to introduce him to some things that he’s never seen before and this is going to be a real fight.”
 
A two-time, two-division boxing champion, Malignaggi joined BKFC earlier this year and plans to show off the skills that made him a world champion at 147 and 140-pounds. Representing his hometown of Brooklyn, New York, Malignaggi faced top competition and big stars such as Miguel Cotto, Zab Judah, Ricky Hatton, Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia, Amir Khan and more throughout a career that spanned sixteen years. He put on title-winning performances against Lovemore Ndou and Vyacheslav Senchenko while also defeating Judah, Juan Diaz and Pablo Cesar Cano amongst his notable wins. He has not fought since 2017, but remains a staple of the of the combat sports world through his renowned work as a color commentator and analyst.
 
A 32-year-old fighter from Russia, Lobov defeated Jason Knight by unanimous decision in an exciting brawl to make his BKFC debut successful in April. Lobov made his name on Season 22 of The Ultimate Fighter as part of Team McGregor, where he worked his way to the finals of the tournament before losing to Ryan Hall. Now fighting out of Ireland, where he continues to train with McGregor, he challenged Cub Swanson in a UFC main event in 2016, after picking up victories over Chris Avila and Alex White. While he lost his last three UFC bouts by decision, he owns 13 professional MMA wins.


Click HERE for Malignaggi and Lobov fighter bios
 
Originally from Portland, Oregon and now training out of Chula Vista, California, Leben first emerged onto the scene in the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter before going on to become a WEC Middleweight Champion. A veteran of over 20 UFC events, his career includes a five-fight win streak that led to a challenge of Anderson Silva. Leben will be opposed by New London, Connecticut’s Ward, a 30-year-old veteran of 15 Bellator events, including a victory in Bellator’s Season Nine Middleweight Tournament.
 
A pro boxer with a 6-2 record, the 32-year-old Barnett has earned his spot in the Lightweight Tournament Final with a victory over Rusty Crowder in April. Fighting out of Chesapeake, Virginia, Barnett will face Forth Worth, Texas native Bedford to capture the first BKFC Lightweight Title. Bedford punched his ticket to the final with an April triumph over Abdiel Velazquez.
 
# # #
 
About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

ARTEM LOBOV DEFEATS JASON KNIGHT BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN SENSATIONAL MAIN EVENT OF “BKFC 5: LOBOV VS. KNIGHT” FROM MISSISSIPPI COAST COLISEUM & LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW


Click HERE for Photos
Credit: Phil Lambert/Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
 
Cick HERE for Video Highlights
Credit: Evan Zentar/Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

BILOXI, Miss. (April 6, 2019) – Former UFC veteran Artem Lobov defeated former UFC veteran and Mississippi native Jason Knight by unanimous decision (48-47 X 2, 48-46) to win the main event of “BKFC 5: Lobov vs. Knight” in a Fight of The Year candidate on Saturday night at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss. and live on pay-per-view.
 
Knight started off fast, knocking down Lobov just 10 seconds in to round one. However, Lobov quickly popped up and came back to knock down Knight later in the first frame, again in round two, and for a third time in round three. The fourth and fifth stanzas showcased furious exchanges with both fighters leaving every ounce of themselves in the ring.
 
“I thought he was conquered many times,” said Lobov. “I dropped him three or four times. He’s a tough, tough kid. He kept coming and coming. That was a great fight.”
 
“We all know that I didn’t lose that fight,” said Knight. “We all know that I got robbed. It’s alright, I’m still going to party tonight.”
 
The co-main event featured former UFC veteran Chris Leben quickly overwhelming former Bellator standout Justin Baesman with a devastating left hand, followed by a series of uppercuts that stopped Baesman just :25 in to the light heavyweight contest.
 
Christine Ferea scored a technical stoppage win over Britain Hart for the Police Gazette American Women’s Featherweight Bare Knuckle Championship. Ferea had Hart in trouble midway through the second round as referee Dan Miragliotta called for time to have Hart’s severely bloodied and bruised left eye checked. The ringside physician stopped the contest moments later at 1:09 in to the second round.
 
“I’m the first woman to ever have this belt,” said Ferea. “I’m going to rep it strong and I’m super happy right now. The first round I was feeling (Hart) out. I was watching some of her footage and she can do it all. So, I just felt out the first round, touching her with the jab. And then the second round that’s when I went in and let my power go.

“I would love (a fight against Bec Rawlings)!” added Ferea. “I’ve been asking for a fight with her for three fights. I think I deserve it.”
 
Former BKFC heavyweight title challenger Sam Shewmaker and former UFC veteran Chase Sherman fought to a split draw (50-45 Sherman, 48-47 Shewmaker, 48-48) in a crowd-pleasing heavyweight attraction that featured spirited exchanges all the way until the final bell of the fifth round.
 
One BKFC lightweight tournament semi-final matchup saw Reggie Barnett defeat Rusty Crowder by unanimous decision (50-44 X 3). An extremely evasive Crowder was deducted one point in the fourth round for throwing Barnett to the canvas as Barnett cruised to the victory by a wide margin.
 
After his win, Barnett said, “Everybody expected me and Bedford to be fighting in the championship. Johnny comes to fight. I come to fight. So, you’re going to see nothing but fireworks and I personally think it’s a main event-caliber championship fight.”
 
In the other BKFC lightweight tournament semi-final contest Johnny Bedfordstopped Abdiel Velazquez :58 in to round four. Bedford scored two knockdowns in the second round, a third in the third frame and sent Velazquez to the canvas for the fourth and final time in round four, with Velazquez electing to not get back up and continue.

Before Barnett and Crowder fought, Bedford prophesied, “I anticipate I’m going to fight Reggie Barnett in the finals. I thought that from the beginning. I think Reggie knew that from the very beginning. And I think Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship knew that from the very beginning by putting us on opposite ends of the bracket. I think it doesn’t matter who you name the number one and number two seeds, we are the two top dogs in this division.”

With Barnett and Bedford winning their respective BKFC lightweight tournament semi-final bouts they will now face each other in the finals for a chance at BKFC’s first lightweight championship title.
 
In undercard action, former UFC fighter Isaac Vallie-Flagg scored a technical knockout victory over Randy Hedderick in a 165-pound showdown. Vallie-Flagg recorded two knockdowns in the third round and forced Hedderick to quit 1:22 in to round three due to an injured left hand.
 
The swing bout saw Gulfport police officer Harris Stephenson defeat Khalib Harris by split decision (50-47 Stephenson, 48-47 Harris, 49-46 Stephenson).
 
# # #
 
About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP QUOTES, VIDEO & PHOTOS FROM NEW YORK MEDIA EVENT – Former Two-Division Boxing Champion Paulie Malignaggi & Former UFC Standout Artem Lobov Exchange Words In Anticipation of Potential Showdown


Former Two-Division Boxing Champion Paulie Malignaggi & Former UFC Standout Artem Lobov Exchange Words in Anticipation of Potential Showdown


CLICK HERE FOR MP4 VIDEO LINK FROM BKFC
(From left to right: Malignaggi, BKFC Founder & President David Feldman & Lobov)

Lobov Makes BKFC Debut This Saturday in Main Event
Against Jason Knight from Mississippi Coast Coliseum
in Biloxi & Live on Pay-Per-View

Click HERE for Photos from Wojtek Kubik

Click HERE for Video (Large .MXF File) from BKFC

Click HERE for Video from Giovanni Bartocci/Team Malignaggi

NEW YORK (April 2, 2019) – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) hosted a media event in New York Tuesday as recent BKFC signee and former two-division boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi and former UFC standout and Conor McGregor stablemate Artem Lobov had a heated exchange and had to be separated in anticipation of a possible showdown between the two later this year.

Lobov is preparing to take on Jason Knight in the main event of “BKFC 5: Lobov vs. Knight” this Saturday from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi and live on pay-per-view. If he is successful on Saturday night, a highly-anticipated showdown against Malignaggi looms.
 
“BKFC 5: Lobov vs. Knight” will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television distribution outlets for $29.95. It will also be available worldwide via stream to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices at FITE-TV and www.bareknuckle.tv.
 
Tickets for “BKFC 5: Lobov vs. Knight” are available now exclusively at www.bareknuckle.tv beginning at $35.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from Mendez Boxing in Manhattan:
 
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI
 
“Without disrespecting Jason Knight, because we’ll see what happens Saturday, but I think everyone here would like to see Malignaggi vs. Lobov. I see that it’s picking up traction and fans in general are talking about it.
 
“When I get Lobov in the ring, the goal is not just to win. I have to really excel and show something more. The goal would be to hurt him bad.
 
“Being in the gym every day gets me excited. In that way, I feel mentally reborn. I’m sure there will be tough days, but that’s par for the course. I think mentally you can find motivation that will spur you on to chase certain goals.
 
“I started talking to David Feldman first about being involved on the broadcast aspect of BKFC. But then he threw out numbers for me to fight that got my attention. Once we got past that first part of the conversation, things started moving along and here we are.
 
“There’s always adjustments to be made in a new discipline as far as how you’re going to throw and receive punches. We’re going to make small adjustments, but your base is your base. My base is boxing and we’re going to keep the things we want to keep.
 
“I’ve watched some of the bare knuckle fights and there are some fundamental differences. There are some things that boxers can take advantage of. But there are also some aspects that boxers might not be used to in bare knuckle.”
 
ARTEM LOBOV
 
“I’m a real fighter and I’m going to fight Paulie in a real fight. I want to make money for it. He knows I’m down. If you’re a real fighter, let’s fight in the ring.
 
“Let’s be honest, Paulie doesn’t want to fight me on the street, because he knows I’d tear him apart in seconds. But I want to prove myself in the boxing ring. That’s why I’m doing this. I want Paulie safe until the day I can finally put my hands on him.
 
“This is the only chance he has to get a shot in on me. When we do get to fight, he won’t get a hand on me, I guarantee that.
 
“I’m here to fight on Saturday night. I’m a true fighter. No one will ever make me quit. I don’t care about anything that Paulie can do to me.
 
“Paulie was always the fight I wanted. It’s ‘night night’ for Jason Knight this Saturday, then it’s on to Paulie. That’s the only fight I want. He deserves to get slapped around.
 
“Jason Knight was a top UFC fighter at one point. He’s a very tough opponent, but his strength was mixing disciplines. Just boxing me, he doesn’t have a chance.
 
“I love the bare knuckle training. This is my game. I love the stand-up fighting. My approach is that if you want to be a good boxer, you have to box a lot. I went into all of the best gyms in Ireland and got great sparring.”

#          #          #

About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.