Skriver wins by knockout in Riga, hopes to bring "Karate Combat" to Latvia
MMA fighter Artūrs Skriver defeated Peruvian fighter Jesus Lopez by first-round technical knockout at the "Bazara 0" event in Riga, expressing hope that "Karate Combat" might one day hold an event in Latvia.
Latvian MMA fighter Artūrs Skriver won by first-round technical knockout against Peru's Jesus Lopez at the "Bazara 0" fight card in Riga. It was Skriver's first bout in Latvia since his duel with the late Roberts Skujiņš, who was also honored during the evening, and the first fight held under the "Bazara 0" banner.
Both fighters had previously represented the "Karate Combat" organization, and with mutual agreement the bout followed that promotion's rules — fought in karate pants inside the octagon, with chokeholds prohibited. Skriver noted this format was new for Latvia and had to be approved by the federation beforehand.
The fight ended quickly: early in the first round Skriver took his opponent to the ground, prompting referees to stop the contest. The Latvian admitted his opponent had surprised him with two solid elbow strikes, though this did not affect the outcome.
Skriver said he is currently seeking to fight as often as possible given his age of 35. This was his third fight in a short span, following recent appearances in top-tier organizations PFL and Poland's KSW, both of which ended in losses. Such a packed schedule had previously been rare in his career.
He competed in this bout at 65.8 kilograms but said he intends to remain long-term in the 61.2-kilogram division, noting the heavier featherweight class does not suit him. Skriver also expressed hope that a "Karate Combat" event could eventually take place in Latvia in cooperation with "Bazara 0," saying he remains in regular contact with his former organization. His professional MMA record stands at 17 wins and six losses, while in "Karate Combat" he has won six of ten fights.
