Artem Lobov left the UFC a few months back and that lost fight against him is an opportunity that Pena is lamenting.
“I wasn’t living or dying off getting that matchup,” Pena said to MMA Junkie. “But I’m not going to lie: I was a little bit disappointed, because it seemed like an easy win. Nothing against Artem, but I just feel like the way we match up, it would have been a great fight for the fans and a great matchup for me. I hope he does well in bare-knuckle. I enjoy watching that; it’s pretty fun. I think his style will do well for that.”
Lobov hasn’t signed with another MMA organization at this time, but has signed with Bare Knuckle FC.
Pena has no grudge against Lobov, but wanted to get back at him for the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA).
“I just wanted to get that back for AKA,” Pena said.
UFC Fight Night Nashville takes place on Saturday, March 23 from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee with Stephen Thompson and Anthony Pettis headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on ESPN+.
