A fight between bitter rivals Paulie Malignaggi and Artem Lobov headlined tonight’s BKFC 6 event in Tampa Bay, Florida.

The former boxing champion, Malignaggi (36-8 boxing), returns to action for the first time since March of 2017, where he suffered a TKO loss to Sam Eggington in his bid to capture the WBC International Welterweight Title.

Prior to his setback to Eggington, Paulie Malignaggi was riding a three-fight win streak, which saw him score victories over Laszlo Fazekas, Antonio Moscatiello and Gabriel Bracero.

As for Artem Lobov, the former UFC fighter entered BKFC 6 on the heels of a unanimous decision victory over Jason Knight in his promotional debut. That victory snapped a three-fight losing skid for ‘The Russian Hammer, as Lobov had previously suffered decision setbacks to Cub Swanson, Andre Fili and Michael Johnson respectively.

The BKFC 6 main event begins and Malignaggi comes forward with a jab to the body. Lobov explodes with a right hand that partially connects. The fighters clinch and then are forced to break. Lobov with some shots inside. He swings and misses with a right. Paulie with a straight right hand. He seems to be finding his range now. He lands a left hook and then a good jab to the body. Lobov rushes in with a flurry. Paulie responds with a body shot. Malignaggi with a nice jab. The horn sounds to end round one.

Round two of the BKFC 6 main event begins and Paulie Malignaggi lands a left. Artem Lobov with a good right and then a shot to the body. Paulie responds with a crisp jab. He follows that up with a pair of shots to the body. Another good body shot from Malignaggi lands. Lobov comes forward but eats a counter right hand. That was a clean shot. Still, Artem Lobov just continues to walk forward. Paulie with a nice jab to the body. Lobov clinches up and tries an uppercut. The fighters break and Artem lands a left hand.

Round three of the BKFC headliner begins and Artem swings a misses with a combination. Malignaggi goes back to the body with a jab. He rips an overhand right and then a jab. Paulie Malignaggi with another good jab. Artem slips and gets back to his feet. The referee says that was not a knockdown. Artem Lobov with a right hand that just misses. Paulie once again rips the body. Artem lands a big left that sends Paulie backwards. Malignaggi appears to be ok and lands a jab. Lobov with a right hand to the body. The bell sounds to end round three.

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Round four of the BKFC 6 main event begins and Artem Lobov lands a pair of hooks to the body. He lands a right hand and then presses Paulie against the ropes. A good flurry from ‘The Russian Hammer’ now. Malignaggi appears to be cut. Artem is also bleeding. Paulie is circling but Artem is cutting him off. Malignaggi with a good jab and then another. Lobov continues to press forward. He misses with a body shot and the bell sounds to end round four.

The fifth and final round of the BKFC 6 main event begins and Artem Lobov comes out guns blazing. He misses with a lead right hand. Paulie circles and lands a left hand. Artem with a good shot to the body. Malignaggi gets off the ropes and snaps a jab. Artem returns fire with a left. Paulie snaps another jab and then circles out. Lobov misses with a combination. Paulie avoids some late shots and this fight is all over as the bell sounds to end the contest.

Official BKFC 6 Result: Artem Lobov def. Paulie Malignaggi via decision (48-47 x3)