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While Michael Johnson missed weight earlier today (Fri., Oct. 26, 2018) for his featherweight bout with Artem Lobov tomorrow night at UFC FIght Night 138 in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, “Menace” won’t be losing 20 percent of his purse after all. At least not at first.
According to Lobov, he’s going to give Johnson his money back, as the former lightweight missed the 146-pound mark by one pound after accepting the fight on just two weeks notice.
ESPN’s Ariel Helwani had the inside scoop following UFC Fight Night 138’s official weigh ins earlier today:
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 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.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 26, 2018
“I show respect where it’s due,” he added. “Always.”
“I told the UFC to save me the trouble of transferring the cash and just pay him [Johnson] in full,” Lobov told Helwani. “I’m happy to sign any waives.”
“I show respect when it’s due,” Lobov added. “Always.”
It’s a nice gesture to say the least, but one that makes sense considering “Russian Hammer” wouldn’t be fighting this weekend at UFC Moncton if Johnson didn’t step up on short notice. Technically, Lobov has to receive Johnson’s 20 percent first before he can deliver it back to “Menace,” but it doesn’t seem like the Straight Blast Gym fighter will go back on his word.
As far as the fight itself, it should be quite the exchange. Both Lobov and Johnson are two of the more willing strikers at 145 pounds, making their co-main event clash one to watch out for. Luckily, one pound didn’t put an end to their weekend meeting.
For complete UFC Fight Night 138 weigh in results click here.
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