In a twisty tale of combat sports, old friendships, and big money, Artem Lobov has publicly claimed that the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) still owes him a significant amount of money. This dispute over unpaid earnings comes as Lobov continues his high-stakes legal battle against his former friend and training partner, Conor McGregor, for a stake in the lucrative Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand. It’s a messy situation that shines a light on some of the biggest issues in the fight game.
Back in 2019, Lobov had a memorable run with BKFC, competing in three bouts and earning a 2-1 record. His defining moment was an upset victory over boxing veteran Paulie Malignaggi at BKFC 6. But despite the success and the huge amount of hype around the fight, Lobov says he was never fully paid. According to him, BKFC president David Feldman has not been transparent with the official pay-per-view sales figures, which he believes directly affects his owed compensation.
The Pay-Per-View Controversy
The main issue for Lobov is a significant discrepancy in the numbers. He claims that Feldman initially announced 200,000 pay-per-view sales for the fight against Malignaggi. But according to Lobov, Feldman has since disputed that number, never providing him with the actual figures. This lack of transparency has left Lobov in a frustrating position, trying to figure out what he’s truly owed. As he put it in a recent interview, he doesn’t understand what Feldman is denying because “he knows he owes me money.”
Lobov’s own calculations suggest that even if the pay-per-view sales were half of what was initially claimed—around 100,000 buys—he would still be owed approximately $75,000. This kind of financial dispute is far from uncommon in combat sports, where fighters often feel they are at the mercy of promoters when it comes to reporting revenue and distributing payments. It highlights a bigger conversation about fighter rights and the need for more accountability in a rapidly growing sport like bare-knuckle boxing.
From Friends to Foes: The McGregor Lawsuit
To make matters even more complicated, Lobov’s fight with BKFC is just one part of a larger drama. For years, he was a loyal friend and training partner to Conor McGregor, but their relationship took a very public and bitter turn over the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand. Lobov claims he came up with the idea for the whiskey and was instrumental in its development. He alleges that he had a handshake agreement with McGregor for a five per cent stake in the company, which would have amounted to a massive payday after McGregor sold his stake for a reported $600 million.
Now, Lobov is pursuing a £7.5 million claim against McGregor in a legal battle that has been going on for years. The lawsuit has exposed the depths of their falling out, especially after Lobov rejected a £1 million offer from McGregor, showing that for him, it’s not just about the money—it’s about getting the credit and recognition he feels he deserves. You can read more about the specifics of the lawsuit in this recent news report.
The Bigger Picture for Fighters
Artem Lobov’s struggles with both BKFC and his former friend serve as a powerful cautionary tale for fighters everywhere. His situation highlights the complexities of contracts and the potential for financial exploitation in a cut-throat industry. As bare-knuckle boxing continues to grow in popularity, transparency is more important than ever for promotions like BKFC to maintain trust with their athletes. Whether or not Lobov wins his legal battles, his story has already brought a much-needed conversation about fighter compensation and the value of loyalty to the forefront of combat sports.
