Since he entered the UFC in 2017, Zabit Magomedsharipov proved himself to be a legitimate contender at 145 pounds. After six fights and four post-fight bonuses, he now feels he is ready for a crack at the title.
Speaking through a translator in a post-fight interview with ESPN, Zabit expressed excitement and interest towards the upcoming featherweight title fight between Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 245 this December.
“I think it is going to be a very exciting fight; I can’t wait to see it,” Magomedsharipov said (via MMA Fighting). “I will also be happy to face the winner of this upcoming fight.
“I think I fully deserve the title fight and after enough preparation, I should be more than ready to have a go at the title.”
Zabit fought through a scrappy three-round battle against Calvin Kattar at UFC Moscow on Saturday, earning him a unanimous decision victory. But apparently, he labored through the final round, battling the effects of an infection he caught while training in Asia.
“I knew he was a tough guy,” he said of Kattar. “We didn’t expect him to block so much, so I had to kick him in the legs. This is what was different from our expectations.
“I got a little tired in the third round because I had an infection when I was in Thailand,” he revealed. “I have to take antibiotics, so I think that influenced my performance.”
Zabit is now on a 14-fight win streak he began in 2013. He currently holds a record of 18-1 (with 13 wins by stoppage). He also won $50,000 for Fight of the Night honors.
Source: Bloodyelbow.com
