Artem Lobov was unable to keep his promise to knock out Cub Swanson on Saturday during UFC Fight Night 108. Swanson ended up fighting his way into featherweight championship contention after claiming a unanimous decision victory in Nashville.

Many questioned why this fight was even booked, as critics claimed that the only reason the Russian Hammer was even present in a main event spot is because of his famous friendship with the current lightweight champion, Conor McGregor.

In spite of those concerns, fans were treated to a fantastic fight at UFC Fight Night 108 and although Lobov didn’t come out of the bout victorious, he can still lay claim to the fact that he held his own in a fight that many gave him no chance to win.

The Russian Hammer began the fight as the aggressor and kept fighting until the final bell, but Killer Cub simply wasn’t going down and now he will wait for the winner between Jose Aldo and Max Holloway.

After the fight, Lobov called his opponent the better man tonight and acted graciously in defeat. However, he still argued his case and pointed out the spots where he excelled against the featherweight contender.

He said: “There was a few shots that I felt, but I was never feeling like I was going to get finished. I can take a punch. Born in Russia, forged in Ireland, they don’t make them like this anymore. I can take a shot, that’s for sure.

“I came to win so I don’t feel great but what are you gonna do? This is the fight game, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. What else can I say?”

In that statement, the challenger was totally correct, because there are only two real results that come from these fights. He earned some respect from fans with his performance, but now he sits at 13-13 on his career.

One thing he won’t have to worry about is critics not taking him seriously. Any fighter who could hang with Killer Cub like he did should be taken seriously from this day forward. He has build his own resume apart from his more accomplished friend.

Fans are also in agreement that the Russian fighter held his own because he was awarded Fight of the Night for his efforts. If he can get back on the horse after this latest defeat, then another couple of those awards look like they’ll be headed his way.