5 Things You Might Not Know About Zabit Magomedsharipov

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Zabit Magomedsharipov (16-1) is a featherweight pugilist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. For his next outing, the rising contender will face Jeremy Stephens on the prelims of UFC 235, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 2. A victory for the 27 year-old could potentially see him earn a crack at the promotion’s 145-pound strap.

As we approach the pivotal match-up, here are five things you might not know about Magomedsharipov.

He has not lost in nearly six years

Magomedsharipov has won his last 12 contests. This remarkable unbeaten streak stretches back to his only professional career loss, a submission defeat against Igor Egorov at ProFC 47 “Russia vs Europe” in April 2013. His triumphant run since has entailed winning 10 of his 12 fights by stoppage, six of which were by submission. His last four triumphs have also come under the banner of the UFC.

He is very tall for a featherweight

At 6-foot-1, Dagestan native Magomedsharipov is the tallest fighter currently competing in the UFC’s featherweight division. The slender combatant has used his 73 ½ inch reach to good effect in many of his bouts, particularly his stiff jab. Considering his formidable height, it is not surprising that the Russian started his career as a lightweight.

He has been a champion before

From 2014-2016, Magomedsharipov fought for the Absolute Championship Berkut promotion in his native Russia. Across six appearances with the organization, he went unbeaten, with all ending by way of stoppage. In 2014-15, he participated in and won the ACB featherweight grand prix.

The following year in March 2016, Magomedsharipov claimed ACB’s vacant featherweight belt when he knocked out compatriot Sheikh-Magomed Arapkhanov in the first round. He would go on to defend his strap once prior to signing with the UFC in 2017.

He was a Wushu Sanda star

Like many of his fellow Dagestanis, Magomedsharipov started his combat training at a tender age. He was 10 when he commenced training in freestyle wrestling. Shortly thereafter, the fledgling martial arts enthusiast added Wushu Sanda to his training regime. The youngster excelled at the Chinese martial art, which utilizes strikes and takedowns.

Magomedsharipov notably attended a boarding school, Pyat Storon Sveta, which specialized in Wushu Sanda. There, the dedicated young combatant and devout Muslim trained three times a day in the discipline.

The native of Dagestan’s accolades in the art include being a Master of Sport in Sanda, winning the Russian national championship on four separate occasions, a European Championship gold medal and a first-place finish in the Wushu Sanda World Cup. Today, his origins in the sport are evident in his ability to seamlessly merge his striking with a diverse range of takedowns that include a variety of trips and throws.

He spends much of his time in New Jersey

These days, Magomedsharipov is a member of the famed Ricardo Almeida Jiu-Jitsu Academy in New Jersey. There, he sharpens his skills under the tutelage of respected BJJ black belt and UFC alum Almeida and esteemed boxing coach Mark Henry.

The Russian is not the only elite fighter to call the camp home. East Coast natives Eddie Alvarez and Frankie Edgar are fellow teammates. Magomedsharipov’s teenage brother Hasan has also spent time training with the team.