Tag: Zabit Magomedsharipov

Farewell, fighters: A list of former UFC champs and more MMA notables who retired in 2022

The MMA world said goodbye to more than 35 notable fighters in 2022, from former UFC champions to future UFC Hall of Famers and more.

MMA is a constantly evolving sport with a revolving door of athletes entering and exiting. Currently fighters from the era that helped make the sport so popular are beginning to trickle away from competition and hang up their gloves to move on to the next chapters in their lives.

If there’s one thing that’s well known about combat sports retirements, though, it’s that they often don’t last long. The urge to compete and, perhaps more importantly, get a payday will continue to drive fighters back, even well beyond their expiration dates.

In 2022, there was an uptick in notable fighters announcing they are retired, and we have a list of those who opted to walk away last year.

Zabit Magomedsharipov le notifica su retiro a la UFC

Zabit Magomedsharipov se aleja oficialmente de las competencias de artes marciales mixtas. Según un reporte de MMA Fighting, Magomedsharipov (18-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC), uno de los principales contendientes del peso pluma de la UFC, notificó recientemente a …

Zabit Magomedsharipov se aleja oficialmente de las competencias de artes marciales mixtas.

Según un reporte de MMA Fighting, Magomedsharipov (18-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC), uno de los principales contendientes del peso pluma de la UFC, notificó recientemente a la empresa sobre su decisión de retirarse.

Aún no se anuncia la razón de su retiro, aunque en redes sociales han abundado rumores estos últimos dos años: problemas de salud, falta de interés, el comienzo de su camino para una carrera médica…

Magomedsharipov, de 31 años, no ha competido desde noviembre de 2019, cuando le ganó a Calvin Kattar en Moscú. En agostó de 2020 se planificó que se enfrentara a Yair Rodriguez, pero después de que Rodriguez se retiró por una lesión, no se reagendó la pelea. Magomedsharipov abandona las filas de las MMA profesionales con una racha ganadora de 14 victorias e invicto en la UFC.

Magomedsharipov es muy conocido por su estilo llamativo y por sus maniobras locas, incómodas y atléticas, y en seis de sus apariciones en la UFC, ganó cuatro bonos por su desempeño.

Sus victorias en la UFC fueron contra Mike Santiago, Sheymon Moraes, Kyle Bochniak, Brandon Davis, Jeremy Stephens y Kattar.

 

Artículo traducido por Ana Lucía Toledo

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Zabit Magomedsharipov explains reason for inactivity, retirement: ‘I don’t feel the way I used to’

For nearly two years, Zabit Magomedsharipov didn’t discuss his reasons for not competing – until now.

[autotag]Zabit Magomedsharipov[/autotag] hasn’t spoken publicly about fighting for nearly two years.

While rumors circulated through Russian social media accounts he was done fighting for a variety of different reasons, not until recently did Magomedsharipov (18-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) officially inform the UFC of his decision to retire.

Thursday, Magomedsharipov released a statement on Instagram that shed light on the months leading up to his final decision, and why he ultimately decided to step away from professional mixed martial arts competition. His decision came despite his undefeated UFC record and status as a top title contender.

Magomedsharipov, 31, labeled health issues and canceled fights as the two main factors that pushed him in the direction of his final decision.

“Assalamu alaikum friends! I know that many of you were waiting for my return, there was not a single day that someone did not ask when is my next fight was. But I decided to end my pro sports career.

“Disruptions of fights, and then health problems – all this did not allow me to perform/fight earlier. I have recovered now, but I don’t feel the way I used to.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me for such a long time. I didn’t have time to become a champion, but I think, even without this, I hope I was able to please/entertain you))

“I cease to be an active athlete, but I do not leave the sport. I have something and with whom to share my knowledge.

“So don’t say goodbye, friends!”

Magomedsharipov, 31, hasn’t competed since a November 2019 victory over Calvin Kattar in Moscow. He was scheduled to face Yair Rodriguez in August 2020, but was not rebooked after Rodriguez withdrew due to injury. Magomedsharipov departs the ranks of professional MMA on a 14-fight winning streak, unbeaten in the UFC.

Known for his flashy fighting style and wildly awkward and athletic maneuvers, Magomedsharipov earned four post-fight performance bonuses in six UFC appearances.

His victories in the UFC came against Mike Santiago, Sheymon Moraes, Kyle Bochniak, Brandon Davis, Jeremy Stephens and Kattar.

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Report: Zabit Magomedsharipov notifies UFC of retirement

UFC featherweight contender Zabit Magomedsharipov has officially retired from professional mixed martial arts.

[autotag]Zabit Magomedsharipov[/autotag] is officially walking away from mixed martial arts competition.

A top UFC featherweight contender, Magomedsharipov (18-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) recently notified the promotion of his decision to retire, according to a report from MMA Fighting.

A reason for his retirement was not announced, though rumors swirled on social media over the past couple years – from health issues, to lack of interest, to beginning his path toward a medical degree.

Magomedsharipov, 31, hasn’t competed since a November 2019 victory over Calvin Kattar in Moscow. He was scheduled to face Yair Rodriguez in August 2020, but was not rebooked after Rodriguez withdrew due to injury. Magomedsharipov departs the ranks of professional MMA on a 14-fight winning streak, unbeaten in the UFC.

Known for his flashy fighting style and wildly awkward and athletic maneuvers, Magomedsharipov earned four post-fight performance bonuses in six UFC appearances.

His victories in the UFC came against Mike Santiago, Sheymon Moraes, Kyle Bochniak, Brandon Davis, Jeremy Stephens and Kattar.

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Bellator 275 results: Khasan Magomedsharipov dominates Jose Sanchez to remain undefeated

Khasan Magomedsharipov turned in a dominant performance at Bellator 275.

[autotag]Khasan Magomedsharipov[/autotag] continues to impress early in his career.

The undefeated brother of UFC’s [autotag]Zabit Magomedsharipov[/autotag] took care of business on Friday against Jose Sanchez at Bellator 275, remaining undefeated in his budding professional career after picking up a dominant unanimous decision win.

In the second fight of his Bellator run, Magomedsharipov (7-0 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) showed a little bit of everything in the first round. He defended takedowns from his opponent, landed a beautiful jumping knee, and implemented his own offensive grappling with a nice takedown.

In the second round, Magomedsharipov dominated virtually every moment. He landed hard knees in the clinch early and then went to work in the wrestling game where he smothered Sanchez (11-2 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) and landed hard ground and pound strikes. At one moment, the referee stepped in closer as if he was thinking about a stoppage.

The final round was much like the second, with the Dagestani overpowering his opponent at every turn as he completed his dominant showing. The judges turned in scores of 30-26, 30-27, and 30-27 in Magomedsharipov’s favor.

Through seven fights, Magomedsharipov has yet to taste defeat. The 21-year-old has a very bright future in the Bellator featherweight division. Thus far, the hype has been as advertised, much like his older UFC sibling.

Up-to-the-minute results of Bellator 275 include:

  • Khasan Magomedsharipov def. Jose Sanchez via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Jornel Lugo def. Brian Moore via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Brett Johns def. Khurshed Kakhorov via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 3:00
  • Davy Gallon def. Charlie Leary via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:01
  • Stephanie Page def. Danni McCormack via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:46
  • Darragh Kelly def. Junior Morgan via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 1:47
  • Vladimir Tokov def. Daniele Scatizzi via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Gokhan Saricam def. Kirill Sidelnikov via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Nathan Kelly def. Scott Pedersen via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Lee Hammond def. Jamie Hay via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:32

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From Jon Jones to Jake Paul, Dana White answers who could fight in UFC this year

UFC president Dana White has weighed in on the possibility of various fighters competing inside the octagon in 2022.

UFC president Dana White has weighed in on the possibility of various fighters competing inside the octagon this year.

Speaking to TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter, White partook in their annual odds show in which he answered yes or no on the chances of seeing the likes of [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag], [autotag]Zabit Magomedsharipov[/autotag], [autotag]Nick Diaz[/autotag], [autotag]Jake Paul[/autotag], and even Hasbulla fighting in the UFC in 2022.

Check out the full list of fighters White was asked about below:

22 fights on our MMA wishlist for 2022: Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz 3, Jon Jones, Jorge Masvidal

What are some of your dream matchups for 2022? Here are 22 fights MMA Junkie hopes to see happen in 2022.

Amidst a tumultuous global pandemic there were many grim realities humans had to endure in 2021. One thing was consistently good, however, and that’s combat sports.

Although just five fights of 21 fights from the 2021 MMA wishlist came to fruition, the sport was extremely hot and gave fans many memorable moments. The world leader of MMA – the UFC – had a particularly great year, and that momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing heading into 2022.

It’s not just UFC fights that are taking attention, either. There’s also plenty happening in Bellator, PFL, Eagle FC and many other promotions.

MMA is in a great spot, and with much excitement we present MMA Junkie’s wishlist of 22 fights we’d like to see in 2022.

Inspired by ‘role model’ brother Zabit, Khasan Magomedsharipov embarks on international journey of his own at Bellator 263

In case you haven’t heard Bellator has a Magomedsharipov of its own – and he debuts Saturday.

LOS ANGELES – In case you haven’t heard, Bellator has a Magomedsharipov of its own.

The 20-year-old brother of UFC featherweight contender [autotag]Zabit Magomedsharipov[/autotag], [autotag]Khasan Magomedsharipov[/autotag] makes his promotional debut Saturday at Bellator 263.

Although Magomedsharipov (5-0 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) is one of the youngest fighters on the promotion’s roster, it doesn’t mean he hasn’t waited a long time for the day to come when he signed his name on the dotted line of a major promotional contract.

The same year Khasan Magomedsharipov was born, a 10-year-old Zabit began his mixed martial arts journey in wrestling and sanda. Naturally, Khasan looked up to his big brother and wanted to be like him – an admiration he still carries with him to this day.

“He is a huge role model for me. I’ve been looking up to him since I was born, since Day 1,” Magomesharipov told MMA Junkie on Tuesday. “All my life, I was looking and Zabit was doing MMA, mixed martial arts, and was into the fighting style. I always wanted to be like my older brother, like Zabit. Even though I started with sanda and not with pure MMA, I always knew that I would transition to MMA and be an MMA fighter like my older brother.”

It’s hard for Magomedsharipov to imagine what his career would be like without the influence of his brother, but he thinks it’s safe to say things wouldn’t have panned out like they have.

“It definitely makes my life and my career easier,” Magomedsharipov said. “He gives me great advice all the time he knew me, from A to Z. Definitely, Zabit is very valuable in my life.”

While the benefits are immeasurably positive, there has been an extra added pressure that comes with bearing such a famous surname. While he struggled as he tried to live up to the hype earlier in his competitive career, Magomedsharipov eventually flipped a switch.

“To be honest, when I first started my career, it gave me some pressure, our last name,” Magomedsharipov said. “People were expecting maybe more from me than they saw from Zabit. I was young and it gave me a little pressure. But now, I’ve switched everything. I don’t care what people think. I just focus on myself. Now it works for me as a motivation.”

Magomedsharipov enters Bellator “very excited and more motivated than ever before.” After an opponent switch-up, he’s set to face Jonathan Quiroz (3-4 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) on the prelims – a debut he’s thrilled by.

“It was always my goal to try myself and try my skills and bring my talents to Bellator, because Bellator is one of the major organizations,” Magomedsharipov said. “It’s on the same level, I believe, as the UFC. For me, I think to debut overseas in the U.S., Bellator will be the best option for me. That’s why I picked Bellator.”

As for the not-so-near future, Magomedsharipov wasn’t willing to pressure himself or the promotion for big fights right off the bat. Saturday is the main focus, but he admitted an encore outing in his homeland wouldn’t be a bad idea.

“I don’t like to overlook my opponents or the fights, so all my focus in my mind is focused on Saturday night, on this guy who I will be fighting on Saturday – but we’ll see what happens after,” Magomedsharipov said. “To be honest, I want to ask Bellator to give me a fight on Oct. 23 in Moscow, the Russia event. After that, we’ll see. I’m ready to fight every two months, every three months. I don’t just want to be part of Bellator. I want to own my contract.”

Bellator 263 takes place Saturday at The Forum. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.

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Yair Rodriguez updates on UFC return, says he’s ‘f***ing dying’ to fight Zabit Magomedsharipov

For Yair Rodriguez, the Zabit Magomedsharipov debacle has to be settled at some point.

For [autotag]Yair Rodriguez[/autotag], the [autotag]Zabit Magomedsharipov[/autotag] debacle has to be settled at some point.

Rodriguez (13-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC), who hasn’t competed since October 2019, is ready to return to the octagon after being sidelined due to an injury and a U.S. Anti-Doping Agency whereabouts violation.

He was scheduled to face Magomedsharipov at UFC Fight Night 175 on Aug. 29, but was forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury. The 28-year-old was then hit with a six-month USADA suspension, retroactive to Sept. 8, following three “whereabouts failures” during a 12-month period.

Magomedsharipov also has been inactive of late. His last octagon appearance was in November 2019 when he defeated Calvin Kattar via unanimous decision in a three-round main event. After Rodriguez withdrew from their bout for a second time due to injury – the first being UFC 228 back in September 2018, Magomedsharipov accused him of ducking.

But whether Rodriguez ends up facing Magomedsharipov (18-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) next or not, he vows that his time will come.

“Just to be clear, he was talking a lot of crap, saying that I didn’t want to fight him, that I was faking injuries and stuff like that,” Rodriguez told ESPN. “Nobody does that. We’re all here to fight anybody at any point, and I’m sure I’ll fight him at some point, no matter what. This is a fight that has to happen. I’m f***ing dying to fight him with all the crap he’s talking about. His moment will come when it has to come.”

Rodriguez is currently in New Mexico helping Donald Cerrone prepare for his upcoming fight with Diego Sanchez. He wants to return by summer against the highest-ranked opponent possible, in what he hopes would be a No. 1 contender bout.

“I would like to fight as soon as possible, to be honest,” Rodriguez said. “As I’ve been getting ready to fight – I don’t have anything in specific right now. I don’t have a specific date that I’m scheduled to fight or any name as for now, but I think I’ll have some more information in the next week or two, but I can’t wait to compete. Probably July 17 will be a nice date for me, and I’m just getting prepared and ready for whatever comes.”

He continued, “In an ideal scenario, I would like to face the champion, right? Because that’s the fight that everybody wants. But from there, going back in the rankings, I would take it as they come. I want the champion. If not, the No.1, if not, the No. 2, if not, No. 3. At this point, it doesn’t matter who I fight. Winning my fight would mean fighting for a title next. So, to be honest, I’m here to fight anybody.”

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‘Korean Zombie’ wants Zabit Magomedsharipov next, gives timeline for UFC return

Chan Sung Jung thinks a matchup against Zabit Magomedsharipov would wow fans across the globe.

Almost back to 100 percent, [autotag]Chan Sung Jung[/autotag] is already eying his potential next challenge.

“The Korean Zombie” has suffered defeats, but perhaps none more difficult to process than his Oct. 17 UFC Fight Night unanimous decision loss to Brian Ortega.

“It was honestly the most mentally challenging fight of my career,” Jung told MMA Junkie on Tuesday, via translator. “Physically, it was also very challenging, and my ego was struck down too. Luckily, I didn’t have any injuries. My two-week quarantine once I returned home to Korea made me very focused on the future.”

Even in defeat, Jung (16-6 MMA, 6-3 UFC) doesn’t knock the game plan he constructed with coach Eddie Cha prior to the fight. Instead, Jung tacks the loss up to Ortega’s arsenal – especially one highlight-reel in particular.

“The fight plan was perfect,” Jung said. “(Ortega) used spinning elbows a lot in other fights. … We prepared accordingly, but he aimed for it and did his job. Unfortunately, it was a shot that I couldn’t fully recover from, and I couldn’t perform to the best of my abilities.”

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Since returning home to South Korea, Jung has focused on recovering from a collateral ligament tear that occurred during preparation for the Ortega fight. He had a procedure done, in which pins from an old ACL surgery were removed.

It may sound gruesome to some, but Jung called the procedure “simple” and he aims for a March or April return. When his name is called, Jung has his fingers crossed. There’s one matchup that stands out above the rest.

“I want Zabit (Magomedsharipov),” Jung said. “That’s the fight that’s going to get me closest to a title shot. More than that, I want to once again try to prove myself against one of the hottest fighters in the division and prove that I’m still capable of competing at the highest level. Of course, I would understand if he doesn’t want to fight me.”

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Magomedsharipov (18-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) hasn’t competed since November 2019, though he was scheduled to fight in August before opponent Yair Rodriguez withdrew. With UFC president Dana White recently downplaying talk of a Rodriguez return, Jung thinks he’s a perfect candidate to fill the void.

Will Magomedsharipov accept the challenge? Jung isn’t sure.

“This is a fight that would bring the fans to their feet,” Jung said. “(He) and I are both entertainers and extremely competitive, so I think he’d like to step in the octagon with me. A win for both of us would mean a lot for our careers, and it would be an amazing match. The ball is in Zabit’s court; I want this fight to kick off 2021.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jung and Cha improvised and created a custom “Zombie-centric” camp to prepare for Ortega. Whether it is Magomedsharipov or someone else, Jung plans on preparing at Fight Ready MMA in Arizona – a sense of normalcy for his next camp.

“Training for my last fight in Korea was interesting,” Jung said. “It was very comfortable to be at home, but it also takes a lot of resources to bring my Fight Ready family around the world to me. Once I get my next opponent, I’ll likely travel and come join the squad in Arizona.”

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