After debut win, Jared Gordon calls out Artem Lobov: I would crush him

UFC featherweight Jared Gordon looked every bit the part of the talented prospect he’s been billed in his UFC debut, and now he’s taking aim at a high-profile name in the division.

“I always think about the task at hand, but I would love to fight Artem Lobov,” Gordon said following his debut win. “I think I would crush him.”

“Flash” Gordon (13-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) looked impressive in a second-round TKO win over fellow UFC newcomer Michel Quinones (8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) at this past Sunday’s UFC Fight Night 112 event in Oklahoma City. Were it not for missing weight ahead of the fight, the performance would have been deemed nearly flawless, and the 28-year-old believes there will be many more quality performances on the horizon.

“In the end of 2017, if everything goes well and I’m healthy, I see myself fighting a top-10 guy, and then 2018, 2019, winning the belt,” Gordon said.

It’s a lofty ambition, but Gordon has already overcome numerous hurdles in his path to the UFC. Now, the New Yorker wants to make a quick rise up the ranks by picking off recognizable opponents. First on that list is Lobov (13-13-1 UFC, 2-3 UFC), who’s currently helping teammate and UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor prepare for a high-stakes boxing match with Floyd Mayweather.

“He’s a name, so I need names,” Gordon said.

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 112, check out the UFC Events section of the site.