Zabit Magomedsharipov… Remember, and learn how to spell, the name.
Casual MMA fans almost certainly won’t be familiar with Magomedsharipov but the walking, spinning highlight reel might well be the next big thing in the UFC.
On Saturday night, Magomedsharipov was afforded the opportunity to showcase his flawless arsenal on a UFC pay-per-view main card for the first time and it’s safe to say he didn’t disappoint.
While many expected the 27-year-old to claim a finish over Kyle Bochniak at UFC 223, Magomedsharipov likely saw his stock rise even further than he would have with a stoppage thanks to the three-round war he put on in Brooklyn.
On his way to the #UFC223 Octagon! @Zabit_MMA is up right now!! pic.twitter.com/zFJhnpt8Bv
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) April 8, 2018
Magomedsharipov, who trains under esteemed coach Mark Henry, was the more technical in all areas against Bochniak but he simply couldn’t put away the eternally game American.
Through blood and countless flurries, Bochniak walked down Magomedsharipov and repeatedly ordered him into a firefight.
Most 145lbers would have been floored by plenty of the strikes thrown by Magomedsharipov but Bochniak is made of sterner stuff and while the fight had long gotten away from him, ‘Crash’ continued to throw the kitchen sink at the eventual victor.
The final 20 seconds tell you everything you need to know about the fight and the subsequent embrace encapsulates all that is good about mixed martial arts following a tough week for the reputation of MMA and the UFC.
👏 ZABIT 👏 BOCHNIAK 👏
What heart. What entertainment. What a fight. 👊
Stand up and applaud these guys. #UFC223 pic.twitter.com/bSvZBOxVwg
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) April 8, 2018
With Fight of the Night seemingly wrapped up, Magomedsharipov claimed a unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27).
