LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 01: Zabit Magomedsharipov of Russia poses on the scale during the UFC 235 weigh-in at T-Mobile Arena on March 01, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Zabit Magomedsharipov reportedly leaning towards retiring from MMA
Zabit Magomedsharipov may hang up his gloves for good.
Magomedsharipov has not fought since UFC Moscow in November of 2019 where he beat Calvin Kattar by decision. Since then, he has been rumored to fight Yair Rodriguez and due to several reasons, he hasn’t been able to compete.
Now, according to the Russian outlet, TASS, they have been told Magomedsharipiov is leaning towards returning from MMA.
“With a high degree of probability, Zabit will no longer fight,” the source said to TASS about Magomedsharipov.
Zabit Magomedsharipov was recently removed from the UFC rankings due to inactivity. It is no doubt disappointing and frustrating for many MMA fans to not see the Russian compete since 2019 due to a variety of different reasons. Yet, the news of him retiring is no doubt a surprise as in January, Dana White said the plan was to get the Russian a fight in the next three months, which has obviously not happened.
“Yeah, we’re looking at (Magomedsharipov) in the next three months. Get him something,” White told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. “I don’t know (about Rodriguez). We might move on from that one.”
Magomedsharipov is 18-1 as a pro and riding a 14-fight winning streak including being 6-0 in the UFC. As mentioned, he’s coming off a three-round decision win over Kattar in the main event of UFC Moscow. Prior to that, he earned a decision win over Jeremy Stephens and a highlight-reel submission over Brandon Davis. The Russian also has a Fight of the Night decision win over Kyle Bochniak and submission wins over Sheymon Moraes and Mike Santiago.
As of right now, Magomedsharipov or his management have yet to comment on the report. However, if Magomedsharipov is truly retiring, it will be disappointing as the Russian is always in fan-friendly fights and many had high hopes for the Russian striker.
