Artem Lobov Says His Prayers Have Been Answered

During the UFC 208 preliminary card on Fox Sports 1, the promotion announced a slew of upcoming fights, with one of them being #4 Cub Swanson facing Artem Lobov in the main event of UFC Fight Night 108. The fight puzzled viewers and media, but excited Lobov.

Lobov, who has a 2-2-0 record in the UFC and an overall record of 13-12-1-1NC, is an unusual choice to headline a UFC, but Lobov has been praying for this moment for awhile now.

“I’m delighted with the matchup. Considering how high up the rankings he is, he’s currently number four, and his style, I feel like he’s perfect for me. He is the type of fight of I’ve been searching for me whole life. I’ve never been able to get a chance of going in there with someone like him. Every other opponent I’ve faced has always tried to take me down. I’ve been calling for a slugfest like this for many years. This is my kind of fight. All my prayers have been answered,” Lobov said to Newstalk.

Lobov may be best known as the longtime training partner of current UFC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor. Lobov also believes that keeping a positive attitude is what has lead him to the biggest opportunity he has had as a professional MMA fighter.

“It’s unbelievable, to be honest. It just goes to show you that you should always keep your head down and keep grinding. Never give up. This time last year there was talk of me being cut from the UFC. Now, here I am, facing the No. 4 guy in the world,” says Lobov.

UFC Fight Night 108 takes place on Saturday, April 22 from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee with Cub Swanson and Artem Lobov headlining.