DUBLIN – [autotag]Khasan Magomedsharipov[/autotag] doesn’t see too many threats in the featherweight division.
Magomedsharipov (8-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) remained unbeaten when he stopped Rafael Hudson by TKO at Bellator 291 this past Saturday at 3Arena in Dublin.
One of the brightest prospects on the roster, Magomedsharipov is confident that with time, he can take out the division’s elite.
“I don’t see strong guys in featherweight,” Magomedsharipov said post-fight. “Yes, (A.J.) McKee, (Patricio) ‘Pitbull’ (Freire) and a couple of guys (are) very strong. The others guys are strong, but not fantastic. I feel I can beat everybody no problem – A.J. McKee, ‘Pitbull’ – but I need a little bit of time. A couple of years I’ll stay in Bellator. I’ll get this belt.
“(Opponent) doesn’t matter – wrestler, striker, grappler, it doesn’t matter. Just give me a fight brother, and (I’ll get a) finish.”
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Magomedsharipov said his older brother Zabit, a former UFC featherweight contender, wanted him to log in more minutes for experience. However, the 22-year-old notched his fifth career first-round stoppage win against Hudson.
“My game plan this fight (was) three rounds,” Magomedsharipov said. “My brother told me, ‘You need three rounds. You need three rounds.’ But I’m very hungry. I see my chance, and I finished this guy.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 291.