Artem Lobov displays admirable heart despite decision defeat to Swanson:

'Killer' Cub walks though some of Lobov's best shots on way to decision win.

An intriguing Featherweight contest takes place in the main event of UFC Fight Night Nashville, as #4 ranked contender 'Killer' Cub Swanson takes on unranked SBG trainee Artem 'The Russian Hammer' Lobov. A huge risk for Swanson could prove to be an even bigger reward for Lobov as the heavy hitter main events for the first time, but if anyone can measure up to Artem's punching power, it's Cub. A fantastic grappler and Judo practitioner, Swanson most definitely holds the advantage outside the striking exchanges, as he looks to build off his breathtaking UFC 206 win over Doo Hoo Choi. Lobov, a major sparring partner to UFC Lightweight champ Conor McGregor, believes that alone will see him though any striking exchanges that will present themselves. With no John Kavanagh or Conor McGregor in attendance tonight, Owen Roddy was the man in Artem's corner.

Veteran referee Herb Dean was the man in the middle for this main event, as the first of five scheduled rounds began with a clinch in favour of Cub, with Lobov steering to the fence. Lobov then scored the first takedown with a dominant throw, a huge statement of intent for the Russian. Swanson was scoring some good leg kicks early on, with Artem relaxed and poised to strike. A front leg side kick landed well for Artem as Cub missed with a spinning back kick. Swanson was firing down the middle with a good straight consistently. Lobov cracked a good uppercut towards the end of the first.

The second got underway with some good pressure from Lobov, before a high kick stung the Russian. Artem was so far out landing Cub, and was having notable success with leg kicks. Swanson was tagged with a left hook from Lobov as they once more clinched up. Both men were landing knees well, as Artem threatened a trip. Swanson scored his own trip and assumed half guard. Cub mounted with ease before taking the back of Lobov with similar finesse. Artem survived as the second round closed with a decent shot from Lobov.

The third started with some decent shots for both men, Cub noticeably countering well with the left hook. Swanson was so far getting drawn into a favourable striking exchange with Lobov, before Swanson landed a superb right hand. A wheel kick scored fantastically for Cub as Artem chased. Herb Dean called for a stop in the action due to a cut on the eye lid of Lobov, who was allowed to continue after a doctor inspection. Swanson landed a decent left high kick, taunting Artem in the process. A cartwheel kick landed for Swanson, before a takedown for Lobov at the end of the round.

The fourth round began positively for Lobov who landed a big uppercut at the beginning of the exchange. A phenomenal spinning elbow landed flush for Swanson on the break of the clinch, wobbling Lobov who then marched forward. A frail single leg was stuffed by Cub as they once more separated. Lobov looked jaded as he winged big shots, leaving Swanson an opportunity to counter.

The fifth and final round began with Lobov in desperate need of a finish, with Cub more than likely ahead on the score card. Both men embraced as the beginning, as Swanson slipped as Artem approached ready to strike upon instructions from Owen Roddy. Disengaging from the clinch, Lobov looked to land big, but Cub defended again. Swanson is such a creative striker landing another left high kick, with Artem unfazed. Fantastic hip toss and straight to mount from Swanson most certainly seen him pick up the decision win. Swanson did in fact pick up a deserved unanimous decision victory in a hugely entertaining fight.

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