Fighting is not really that complex. It comes down to throwing punches at someone across from you until one of you gives up. But the things that sell fights -- the trash talk, the animosity, the realness -- is what's really needed to take fights over the top.
And that's what the Bare Knuckle Fight Championship has on its hands on Saturday night in Tampa, Florida. It's time for one huge grudge match when former boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi squares off against former UFC fighter (and Conor McGregor teammate) Artem Lobov in the main event of BKFC 6 at 9 p.m. ET.
Malignaggi (36-8, 7 KOs) may have risen to the peak of his notoriety in the last couple years after retiring from boxing in 2017. He's been most recognized for his controversial dealings with McGregor. As the former dual-UFC champion was preparing for his August 2017 crossover showdown with Floyd Mayweather, Malignaggi served as McGregor's sparring partner. Bad blood formed from there as to whether McGregor had easy matches inside the ring against the former titleholder, and the feud has been continuing on ever since. Unlikely that McGregor will ever step foot into a BKFC ring, Malignaggi will have to settle for taking out his frustrations on one of McGregor's longtime friends.
Can't get enough MMA? Subscribe to our podcast -- State of Combat with Brian Campbell -- where I break down everything you need to know in the Octagon.
Lobov (13-15-1) was recently cut after five losses in seven fights under the UFC banner dating back to 2015. He was scooped up by BKFC, and actually comes into this one with some promotional experience under his belt. He made his debut in April and defeated fellow ex-UFC competitor Jason Knight via unanimous decision. So as for experience within the bare knuckle realm goes, Lobov heads into this one looking to silence the loud-mouthed Malignaggi with the slight edge in that regard.
The fight between Malignaggi and Lobov will be contested at 147 pounds, and both will be donning gloves -- per Florida State Athletic Commission rules -- that will allow the knuckles to be exposed.
Also fighting on this card are a few names MMA fans may be familiar with. UFC veteran Chris Leben will fight in the co-main event in a cruiserweight showdown with Dakota Cochrane. He was expected to take on former Bellator MMA competitor Brennan Ward, who was forced to withdraw with injury. Plus, UFC and Bellator vet Joey Beltran is back in a bout with Jamie Campbell, and Joe "Diesel" Riggs takes on Walber Barros.
Here's the fight card for the BKFC 6 event, headlined by the grudge match between Malignaggi and Lobov.
BKFC 6: Malignaggi vs. Lobov fight card
- Paulie Malignaggi vs. Artem Lobov
- Chris Leben vs. Dakota Cochrane
- Reginald Barnett Jr. vs. Johnny Bedford
- Joey Beltran vs. Jamie Campbell
- Joe Riggs vs. Walber Barros
- Tom Shoaff vs. Julian Lane
- Abdiel Velazquez vs. Travis Thompson
- Elvin Leon Brito vs. Jim Alers
BKFC 6 viewing information
Date: Saturday, June 22 | Start time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Florida State Fairgrounds -- Tampa, Florida
TV channel: PPV (Check local listings) | Stream: FITE TV | Price: $39.99
Prediction
Malignaggi vs. Lobov: This is actually more difficult to decipher than one may think. Sure, it's convenient to claim that since Malignaggi is far and away the more experienced stand-up boxer that he should run away with the victory; however, what some may either forget or be unfamiliar with is the fact that Malignaggi notoriously dealt with hand durability issues throughout this career. Naturally, the fists being significantly more exposed in this setting could prove disastrous for Malignaggi. Still, despite his obnoxious demeanor outside of the ring, his boxing IQ is far superior to that of Lobov's, and I expect him to outpoint Lobov en route to a decision victory -- and then, of course, call upon that aforementioned demeanor to scream to the high heavens for a BKFC fight with McGregor afterwards.
