Artem Lobov wants to box, will ask UFC for his release

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight slugger Artem Lobov is tired of getting taken down during his mixed martial arts (MMA) fights, because it robs him of the chance to stand and bang.

And leaves the fans without a thunderous knockout finish.

That’s why the “Russian Hammer” is contemplating a move to the “sweet science” (following in the footsteps of this guy), which means a separation from UFC to pursue big-money fights.

Not surprisingly, he already has a familiar name in mind.

“I do know I have a contract with the UFC,” Lobov told BT Sport (via Bloody Elbow). “I’ll talk to them. I’ll ask them, would they release me maybe, and allow me to take a few boxing fights? Paulie (Malignaggi) wouldn’t be a bad fight. I know he’s after big paydays. He’s retired, so he might not be interested in a fight against me, but if he was I would be all for it.”

Malignaggi has an existing feud with Lobov’s training partner and longtime friend Conor McGregor.

Lobov (13-14-1, 1 NC) came up empty against featherweight standout Andre Fili at the UFC Fight Night 118 event on Fight Pass last Saturday (Oct. 21, 2017) inside Ergo Arena in Gdansk, Poland, his second straight loss.

Anyone (besides Lobov) interested in watching him move to boxing?