Artem Lobov requested for his release from the UFC few weeks ago, and then teased signing with a different promotion. ‘The Russian Hammer’ last lost to Michael Johnson in October, and asked the UFC bosses to grant him his release from the promotion.

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship announced yesterday that the former UFC competitor has signed a three-fight deal with the promotion. ESPN later revealed that Artem will receive a six-figure pay and pay-per-view points, and will be allowed to compete in MMA fights while still being under contract.

And for his first outing, Lobov will face yet another former UFC competitor, Jason Knight on April 20th in Biloxi, Mississippi at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.

BKFC president David Feldman said in a statement, “I feel Artem is a great addition to our roster and his style is made for this sport. Attracting and signing a guy with the following that Artem has is a perfect match for where we are right now as an organization. I think this signing speaks volumes for the direction BKFC is heading.”

Jason Knight, who accumulated a 4-5 win-loss record in the UFC, will face Artem Lobov in his first fight for the promotion.