After an injury to Yair Rodriguez derailed what would have been an eye-catching main event this month, Zabit Magomedsharipov is turning his attention to UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
Zabit, who remains undefeated in his UFC run thus far, had been scheduled to face the exciting Mexican striker on August 29 before it was announced in recent days that the injury bug had scuppered the fight.
READ MORE: ‘UFC playing games’ or ‘Yair has no balls?’ Shots fired as Zabit Magomedsharipov reacts to Yair Rodriguez’s injury withdrawal
This was a disappointment for the 29-year-old Russian ahead of what would have been the most high-profile fight of his career, robbing him of an opportunity to state his case to be considered as the next title challenger in a division in which championship fights have been dominated by Jose Aldo, Max Holloway and Volkanovski for the past three years.
UFC president Dana White has suggested to the media that a THIRD fight between Holloway and Volkanovski could be next, given the razor-close margins of their second meeting earlier this summer – but Zabit is keen to remind that there is an array of fresh blood at 145lbs awaiting an opportunity.
@alexvolkanovski I’m waiting for you
I am the champ not the replacement fighter but I hope you find a matchup ASAP then chances are I see you later this year. https://t.co/QCzsEEpi0I
Let’s do it in October Champ https://t.co/OMhMaoyzPE
“I’m waiting for you,” Zabit tweeted at the Australian world champion, to which he was told that Volkanovski doesn’t consider himself a replacement and said that he hopes that they can fight later this year – with Zabit suggesting October.
“I am the champ, not the replacement fighter,” Volkanovski responded.
“But I hope you find a matchup ASAP then chances are I see you later this year.”
That prompted a response from Zabit, who offered matchup in the fall, “Let’s do it in October Champ.”
Of course, this type of social media matchmaking doesn’t always align with the UFC’s strategy. UFC president Dana White has stated that he is seeking an alternate opponent for Zabit to compete in August, with both Renato Moicano and former Zabit opponent Calvin Kattar announcing their candidacy.
Magomedsharipov previously defeated Kattar via unanimous three-round decision in Moscow last November in a fight where critics suggested that Zabit didn’t display the type of cardiovascular excellence that one usually associates with a championship-caliber UFC fighter.
Zabit, meanwhile, appears itching to prove this theory incorrect – and what better way to do it than against the champion himself?
