Artem Lobov: “I Told UFC To Pay Michael Johnson In Full, I Always Show Respect Where It’s Due”
Artem Lobov has just promised that he plans to do one of the most generous acts! Michael Johnson missed weight on Friday morning weigh-in and he was fined by 20% of his purse. According to the rules, Lobov has to accept this money. But “The Russian Hammer” plans to return money to his rival after their showdown!
According to Ariel Helwani, Artem Lobov is very grateful to Michael Johnson for accepting the fight on a short notice. “The Menace” missed weight by one pound.
Michael Johnson, who accepted tomorrow’s fight against Artem Lobov on two weeks’ notice, missed weight this AM by one pound. Lobov’s head coach @John_Kavanagh confirms Lobov has accepted the fight. First reported by @MikeBohnMMA. 20% of Johnson’s purse goes to Lobov. However …
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 26, 2018
“Michael Johnson, who accepted tomorrow’s fight against Artem Lobov on two weeks’ notice, missed weight this AM by one pound. Lobov’s head coach @John_Kavanagh confirms Lobov has accepted the fight. First reported by @MikeBohnMMA. 20% of Johnson’s purse goes to Lobov. However …”
Lobov even gave Johnson a word he’ll refund his money.
I’m told @RusHammerMMA went up to Johnson afterwards and said he will make sure MJ gets the full 20% back bc he is appreciative of the fact that MJ took the fight on short notice. The rules are Lobov has to take the money but he gave Johnson his word he’ll get it back to him.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 26, 2018
“I’m told @RusHammerMMA went up to Johnson afterwards and said he will make sure MJ gets the full 20% back bc he is appreciative of the fact that MJ took the fight on short notice. The rules are Lobov has to take the money but he gave Johnson his word he’ll get it back to him.”
It looks like this is a big sign of respect from “the Russian Hammer”.
I asked Artem Lobov about his decision to give back Johnson’s fine. “I told the UFC to save me the trouble of transferring the cash and just pay him in full,” he said. I’m happy to sign any waivers.
“I show respect where it’s due,” he added. “Always.”
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 26, 2018
I asked Artem Lobov about his decision to give back Johnson’s fine. “I told the UFC to save me the trouble of transferring the cash and just pay him in full,” he said. I’m happy to sign any waivers.
“I show respect where it’s due,” he added. “Always.”
Artem Lobov was slated to fight Zubaira Tukhugov at the co-main event of UFC Moncton this Saturday. Yet, after the famous UFC 229 post-fight brawl, Tukhugov was removed from the fight card. Khabib threatened to break the contract but UFC didn’t let Zubaira face Lobov. Nate Diaz also “kindly asked Dana White” to release him instead of “Kabob’s friend”. In the end, even Artem Lobov himself threatened.
Lobov wants the match against Tukhugov so badly. He is even ready to chase him in some other promotion. But it looks like he won’t step inside the octagon with “Warrior” soon.
What do you think, can Artem Lobov defeat Michael Johnson? He lost the last two fights from Cub Swanson and Andre Fili, both via unanimous decision. On the other hand, Michael Johnson comes off a split decision victory over Andre Fili. Lobov Vs Johnson could easily go to the decision. Both fighters have a great cardio. Also, do you think Lobov’s act is something every athlete should follow?