The UFC set the Zabit Magomedsharipov vs Yair Rodriguez match to close out the final event in August for the UFC. However, the match is off, following El Pantera’s injury. UFC President Dana White, via MMA Junkie, said, “He had a high ankle sprain and a fracture. He’s out.” 

Despite this, and given the fact that there are just over 3 weeks left, White indicated that the company will go ahead with their plans of having Magomedsharipov headline the card. 

This means that the promotion will be actively pursuing replacements to take on the third-ranked featherweight contender. 

UFC featherweight Kyle Bochniak took to Twitter to show his willingness to slot in and replace Rodriguez. He wrote, “(UFC), (Dana White), (Sean Shelby), (Mick Maynard). Were the people not entertained? Let me put on another show for you. The world needs it. #Crashszn”

‘Crash’ is referring to his showdown with ‘ZaBeast’ which took place at UFC 223. On the night, Magomedsharipov claimed a unanimous decision win over Bochniak. The win was his tenth in a row as a professional. Following UFC 223, the Dagestani fighter claimed wins over Brandon Davis, Jeremy Stephens, and Calvin Kattar. 

Who will fight Zabit Magomedsharipov next?

Based on his current form, ‘ZaBeast’ knows that another win on August 29 will see him in pole position to be next for the divisional champion Alexander Volkanovski. 

On the other hand, for Bochniak, UFC 223 marked the beginning of a three-fight skid. Following the defeat to Magomedsharipov, he fell to Hakeem Dawodu and Sean Woodson. His last win came against Brandon Davis in January 2018.

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Whilst the fighter has thrown his name into consideration, he is unranked and may not be high on a top 5 contender’s choice of opponents. 

The other top-ranked featherweight contenders include Brian Ortega and Chan Sung Jung. The duo are set to fight soon, however; the Korean has constantly cited travel issues. Calvin Kattar is ranked 6th, but he just fought Magomedsharipov and it will be too soon for a rematch. 

8th-ranked Frankie Edgar will face Pedro Munhoz a week before ‘ZaBeast’ steps into the cage. Thus, a top opponent will be tricky and the UFC will be hard-pressed to find an opponent. 

However, Magomedsharipov feels that he has claimed the win by default and wants Alexander Volkanovski next. Given his lengthy undefeated streak, the promotion will find it hard to deny him a title shot.

Read: Zabit Magomedsharipov Calls Out Alexander Volkanovski After Cancellation of Fight

However, as one has seen with the UFC and Dana White, they always make things happen and ‘ZaBeast’ will have one more fight before getting a shot at ‘The Great.’

Hence we can be sure that Zabit Magomedsharipov will fight on August 29. Who do you think it will be against?

Sources: Zabit Magomedsharipov-Instagram, MMA Junkie, Zabit Magomedsharipov-Fight Stats, Kyle Bochniak-Fight Stats, Kyle Bochniak-Twitter