The UFC is currently seeking a replacement opponent for Zabit Magomedsharipov at UFC 228 after Yair Rodriguez withdraws with an injury.
The UFC is heading to Dallas, TX with UFC 228 on Sept. 8. TOo bad one of the biggest fights on the card is officially off. Thursday afternoon reports that rising featherweight star Yair Rodriguez has withdrawn from his main card bout against Zabit Magomedsharipov. The news was originally reported by MMA Brasil.
Rodriguez (11-2) had recently re-signed with the UFC to make this fight with the Russian standout prospect. Word of Rodriguez’s release came a year after his last fight in the UFC at UFC 211. Rumors of disagreements between his management and the UFC began to fly. Just three weeks later Rodriguez has back with the organization and was set up with this fight against Magomedsharipov.
Magomedsharipov (15-1) has made a splash on the UFC scene with his three victories in a year’s time. Each of his fights in the UFC so far has earned him a performance bonus, along with the eyes of the fans. Magomedsharipov is a dangerous wrestler and stand-up artist, having finished 8 of his last 9 opponents.
Since the news of Rodriguez’s injury has come out, several fighters from around the world of MMA have thrown their names into the hat to face Magomedsharipov. One of the more intriguing potential matchups in John Lineker how called out Magomedsharipov on Twitter.
“ Hey Zabit! Since Yair is out, and no one wants me in my div. Ill fight you man!!!@zabit_mma @danawhite @seanshelby @ufc
— John Lineker (@johnlineker) August 23, 2018
Magomedsharipov responded quickly by saying, “I’m in! Let’s do it! Call Mr. Sean Shelby but we called him. He said you’re too small. But I will fight you. Much respect for stepping up.”
UFC 228 will be headlined by two title fights, the co-main event featuring flyweight champion Nicco Montano facing Valentina Shevchenko, and the main event featuring Tyron Woodley against Darren Till.