Artem Lobov, nicknamed “The Russian Hammer,” is a retired mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer who gained fame as a teammate of UFC superstar Conor McGregor.
Born in Russia but forged in Ireland, Lobov’s journey in the world of combat sports has been marked by determination, controversy, and a never-say-die attitude.
This article teaches you about Artem Lobov’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Artem Lobov’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Artem Lobov |
| Nickname | The Russian Hammer |
| Born | August 11, 1986 |
| Age | 37 |
| College | N/A (Dropped out of community college) |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | Russian-Irish |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 145 lbs (66 kg) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.2 – $2 million |
| Salary | Varied (See Career Earnings) |
| Wife/Relationship Status | In a relationship with Nicole McQuillan |
| Instagram Profile | @rushammer |
Early Career
Artem Lobov’s journey in mixed martial arts began later than most. Born in Russia and having lived in Argentina, he eventually settled in Ireland in 2002.
Initially working as a dishwasher, Lobov developed an interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He made his professional MMA debut in 2010 with Cage Warriors, losing his first fight.
Despite this setback, Lobov persevered, taking on tough opponents and building a reputation for his willingness to fight anyone, anytime.
Professional Career
Lobov’s career took a significant turn when he joined SBG Ireland and became a training partner of Conor McGregor.
He gained wider recognition through his participation in The Ultimate Fighter 22, where he reached the finals despite initially losing in the entry round.
While his UFC record was not stellar (2-5), he gained a cult following for his heart and toughness.
After leaving the UFC, Lobov transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing, where he found success and higher paydays, including a high-profile win over former boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi.
Wife
Artem Lobov is in a long-term relationship with Nicole McQuillan. The couple has been together since at least 2016 and has a son together.
The couple faced a tragic loss in 2022 when they lost their unborn child during one of Lobov’s fight camps, a heartbreaking experience that Lobov has spoken about publicly.
Artem Lobov’s Net Worth Details
Artem Lobov’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.2 – $2 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night 108 | Cub Swanson | $51,000 (including a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus) |
| UFC Fight Night 99 | Teruto Ishihara | $24,000 |
| UFC 202 | Chris Avila | $22,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 82 | Alex White | $10,000 |
Endorsements
- Launched his clothing brand called “Outcasts & Underdogs”
- Has promoted various MMA and fitness-related products on social media
- Endorsed several Irish businesses, leveraging his connection to Ireland
- Participated in promotional events for Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey, though this relationship became complicated due to legal disputes with Conor McGregor
Career Records
| Record Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Total MMA Fights | 36 |
| Wins | 13 |
| Losses | 15 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No Contests | 1 |
Notable Opponents:
- Cub Swanson
- Ryan Hall
- Michael Johnson
- Andre Fili
- Teruto Ishihara
FAQs
1. Who is Artem Lobov?
Artem Lobov is an Irish-Russian former professional mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer. Born on August 11, 1986, in Russia, he competed in the UFC’s Featherweight division and later in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
2. What is Artem Lobov’s MMA record?
Artem Lobov’s MMA record is 14 wins, 15 losses, and 1 no-contest. In the UFC, he had a record of 2 wins and 5 losses.
3. What is Artem Lobov’s nickname?
Artem Lobov’s nickname is “The Russian Hammer.”
4. What is Artem Lobov’s connection to Conor McGregor?
Artem Lobov was a longtime training partner and close friend of Conor McGregor. They were teammates at SBG Ireland, and Lobov was part of McGregor’s coaching team on The Ultimate Fighter.
5. What was Artem Lobov’s most notable fight in bare-knuckle boxing?
Artem Lobov’s most notable bare-knuckle boxing fight was against former boxing world champion Paulie Malignaggi at BKFC 6 on June 22, 2019, which Lobov won by unanimous decision.
6. Why did Artem Lobov retire from combat sports?
Artem Lobov retired from combat sports after losing to Denys Berinchyk in a bare-knuckle match in July 2021, stating that he no longer had “fire in the heart” for fighting.
7. What is the current legal dispute between Artem Lobov and Conor McGregor?
Artem Lobov is suing Conor McGregor over the Proper 12 Irish whiskey brand, claiming he was the original creator and co-founder of the concept and is entitled to 5% of the proceeds from its sale.
8. What was Artem Lobov’s role in the infamous UFC 223 bus incident?
Artem Lobov was involved in an altercation with Khabib Nurmagomedov prior to UFC 223, which led to Conor McGregor’s attack on a bus containing UFC fighters, including Nurmagomedov.
9. What is Artem Lobov’s background before becoming a professional fighter?
Artem Lobov moved from Russia to Argentina as a child due to financial difficulties, then to Ireland in 2002. He worked as a dishwasher at 16 and developed an interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before pursuing a career in MMA.
10. What was Artem Lobov’s most memorable UFC fight?
Artem Lobov’s most memorable UFC fight was his main event bout against Cub Swanson at UFC Fight Night 108 in April 2017. Although Lobov lost by unanimous decision, the fight earned him his only Fight of the Night bonus in the UFC.
