ARTEM LOBOV PICKED up his second consecutive UFC win tonight.
In the opening bout on the main card at UFC Fight Night 99 at Belfast’s SSE Arena, Lobov (13-12-1-1) was victorious via unanimous decision against Japanese prospect Teruto Ishihara (9-3-2).
Lobov, who defeated Chris Avila at UFC 202 in August, delivered his best performance to date as he gave the Team Alpha Male fighter his first taste of defeat in the UFC.
The Russian-born Dubliner was the aggressor from the outset, taking the centre of the octagon and pushing forward. But conscious of Ishihara’s threat on the counter, Lobov was initially cautious which made for a tentative opening.
Ishihara failed with a clumsy takedown attempt and as the end of the first round approached, Lobov rocked his opponent twice to ensure he went into the second frame ahead on the scorecards.
Ishihara’s approach gradually became more offensive but Lobov continued to have the better of the exchanges. An overhand right wobbled Ishihara but he was saved by the bell. Nevertheless, it was another round in the bag for Lobov.
The third round was Ishihara’s best — with one judge scoring it in his favour — but Lobov was still able to withstand his advances. The SBG fighter was dropped by a powerful left from Ishihara but he recovered well and scored a late takedown to finish the fight strongly.
Lobov’s team-mate, UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor, joined him in the octagon afterwards as he was awarded the win on scores of 30-27, 30-27, 29-28.
Lobov kept it short and sweet in his post-fight interview: “The Hammer is back! No one is safe!”
