Zabit Magomedsharipov is one of the brightest representatives of Russia in the Absolute Fighting Championship and one of the main contenders for the featherweight title.
In the case of an ideal coincidence, the fighter could have received the right to fight Alexander Volkanovski at the end of 2020, but due to the coronavirus pandemic and the cancellation of the fight with Yair Rodriguez, this right went to Brian Ortega.
Apparently, these events could deal a serious blow to the athlete's psychology and lead to a decrease in his motivation.
“Zabit is super talented, he would have the same desire as it was before, he would be a superstar like Conor McGregor.
He is a phenomenal fighter, he just did not have the fire that he had.
He doesn't need it - PR, popularity.
He would have a farm, animals, and so that no one touched him - that's what Zabit needs, ”TASS quotes the fighter's mentor Mansur Uchakaev.
As of the end of 2018, Magomedsharipov was considered one of the fastest progressing fighters in the UFC.
The Russian won four victories in a row, and he did it extremely effectively, thanks to which he rose to the top of the featherweight ranking.
His breakthrough could have been even more precipitous if Yair Rodriguez hadn't pulled out of the fight in September, but Zabit has drawn dividends from it.
He easily sorted out the replacement Brandon Davis and subsequently won the Pain of the Year award.
By the end of 2019, Magomedsharipov already had six victories, which allowed him to rise to the third line in the division's ranking and remain practically the only contender for the title.
The cards were confused only by the unexpected defeat of Max Holloway from Alexander Volkanovski and the subsequent revenge.
Zabit had to forget about the champion's ambitions again for a short while and concentrate on the next opponent.
Ironically, Rodriguez was supposed to be again, but a few weeks before the tournament, the Mexican was injured again.
This caused anger from Magomedsharipov.
The fighter understood that the absence of fights for a year was not the best way to secure the right to fight for the title, so he began to harshly criticize both Rodriguez himself and the UFC.
The Russian reproached the Mexican for lack of willpower, and the promotion called for him to stop "playing games with him" and give him the right to fight for the belt.
Then many associated this with the beginning of Zabit's cooperation with Ali Abdel-Aziz.
The manager of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Kamaru Usman had already demonstrated his ability to promote future champions, so such steps seemed justified.
Nevertheless, Magomedsharipov's demands were not heard.
Until a certain moment, the Russian remained one of the participants in the race for the belt, but already in mid-October he finally dropped out of it.
In theory, he could only be saved by a duel with Rodriguez at UFC 254 in October.
The media reported that it could take place on the undercard of the fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaji, but this did not happen.
As a result, Brian Ortega got the contender status, defeating Cheng Song Jung at UFC Fight Island 6, and Zabit himself lost almost everything for which he worked over the past three years.
Such blows of fate could not but affect the emotional state of the athlete and his motivation.
As the same Uchakaev assures, the fighter does not think about leaving the sport, but now there are a number of circumstances that prevent him from fully revealing himself.
“One of the few fighters who has earned popularity not in words, but in deeds is scored.
Most likely, such a desire, as he had before, will not appear.
But the desire to fight and fire, of course, he has.
However, there are things that stop him, ”said Uchakaev.
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Post from Zabit (@zabit_magomedsharipov) 24 Sep 2020 at 9:41 PDT
If the coach is right and Magomedsharipov is experiencing problems with motivation, then this can seriously affect his performances - he risks coming up not completely ready for a duel with the same Rodriguez and suffering an offensive defeat.
Despite frequent health problems, the Mexican has excellent technique and a huge arsenal of punches, rightfully taking a place in the elite of the featherweight division.
The slightest underestimation and loss of concentration will finally negate Zabit's chances of getting a fight for the title in the near future.
In addition, even though Magomedsharipov lost a little time, he, by and large, remained in an advantageous position.
Now only one victory separates him from the fight for the belt, which he is able to win already at the end of 2020.
According to unconfirmed reports, his next fight may take place in December, and a victory in it practically guarantees the title of the first candidate for a champion fight.
Volkanovski has already indirectly hinted that he would like to hold another defense in February.
Thus, the next battle with his participation may well take place in the summer.
In this case, Zabit will have time to properly prepare for the duel.
Yes, it is necessary to consider a less optimistic scenario, according to which the matchmakers will decide to appoint Magomedsharipov another fight in early spring.
It is possible that after a possible victory over Rodriguez in December, the promotion will decide to pair him with Holloway.
However, this also has its advantages.
The American will be an excellent test for the Russian, especially when it comes to five-round battles.
Max is well known for his ability to add in the course of fights, which Zabit has never demonstrated yet.
In any case, Magomedsharipov needs to maintain a fighting spirit and remember the example of one of his compatriots.
At one time, Nurmagomedov was also not popular with the bosses of the promotion and waited a very long time for the first chance to fight for the belt.
By April 2014, he had six victories in a row in the asset and demanded to arrange for him to meet with Anthony Pettis, who at that time had the lightweight title.
However, this was followed by a series of injuries, due to which he missed two years.
As Khabib himself admitted, during this period he seriously thought about leaving the sport, but found the strength to continue.
And already in 2018, he dealt with Al Iaquinta and won the trophy, after which he spent two successful defenses.