PFL are reigniting one of the most bitter feuds in MMA history as Artem Lobov returns to the cage to face Zubaira Tukhugov in Dubai this October.
Back in 2018, it was an incident between Lobov, Tukhugov and Khabib Nurmagomedov that led to Conor McGregor attacking a bus full of UFC fighters in Brooklyn ahead of UFC 223. Back then, the fight was called off quickly by Dana White, and never booked again.
Now, as one of the key undercard bouts to Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes’ highly-anticipated rematch, the Russian duo will make their comebacks to MMA. Tukhugov last fought in 2023, while Lobov’s last MMA bout was in 2018 before a three-year bare knuckle boxing run.
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Artem Lobov vs Zubaira Tukhugov booked for PFL Dubai
Seven years after they were initially booked to go at it, MMA Uncensored today reported that Artem Lobov will fight Zubaira Tukhugov on the undercard of PFL’s next Champions Series event in Dubai.
The pair’s bout at UFC 223 never got to take place after McGregor’s bus incident, and Lobov only fought in the octagon once more before moving to BKFC. Meanwhile, Tukhugov went on to draw with Lerone Murphy before going 2-2, including two weight misses, to close out his career.
This bout is expected to take place at 165lb, meaning an easy weight cut for both men. Lobov wrote on Instagram of the bout: “7 years later but this fight was inevitable. #Kutuzov.”
PFL Dubai main event was leaked by Khabib Nurmagomedov
While PFL brass likely will be frustrated by the leaking of their big card’s fights, having the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov go on stage and announce information is far from the worst way to release news.
During an event in New York City, the undefeated former UFC champion made a few slips of the tongue. He first let fans know that Islam Makhachev would be fighting at Madison Square Garden against Jack Della Maddalena later this year.
And he later gave the news that his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov would be facing Paul Hughes for the second time on October 3. Their bout back in January was an early contender for Fight of the Year, and inspired calls for an immediate rematch.