Zabit Magomedsharipov is set to make his return to the octagon at UFC 249 against an opponent to be determined. The UFC has not made an announcement.
Zabit Magomedsharipov last fought in November of 2019 at UFC Fight Night: Zabit vs Katter which he headlined in Moscow, Russia. He was victorious in a 3 round unanimous decision. In an interview with Russian media out RT Sport, Magomedsharipov spoke about his return and wanting a title shot after his next victory.
“Yes, it’ll be April 18th, but I’m not sure who the opponent will be. There’s an opponent but the contract hasn’t been signed yet and I can’t announce it.”
Magomedsharipov confirmed that it will be a top 5 opponent but the opponent will not be ‘The Korean Zombie’ Chan Sung Jung.
Although Zabit confirmed he will not be fighting Jung, he spoke highly of ‘The Korean Zombie’ and believe a fight between the two will be exciting.
“I’ve been watching him, I like him as a fighter. He’s a hardcore guy that always goes forward and hits. It’ll be interesting to fight him in stand up and test myself out.”
There is strong speculation that Magomedsharipov vs Ortega is the matchup that is in the works for UFC 249. Dana White confirmed with TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter at UFC 247 that the promotion was working on this bout.
Brian Ortega did not step in the octagon in 2019. He last fought Max Holloway at UFC 231 in December of 2018. Ortego spoke to ESPN at UFC 247 and said he would fight Zabit if it was a 5 rounder.
Zabit Magomedsharipov’s endurance has always been questioned by fans and media alike. In his last fight against Kalvin Kattar, he told the UFC he only wanted to fight 3 rounds instead of 5 due to sickness.
UFC 249 is set to take place on April 18th from the Barclays Center. The headliner will be a highly anticipated lightweight championship bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson. Stay up to date with UFC 249 news on MMAScene.com