Watch: When Islam Makhachev and Zabit Magomedsharipov locked horns in an amateur fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov in attendance
Islam Makhachev vs Zabit Magomedsharipov
Every MMA fan is familiar with the immense talent that the Dagestanis brings to the UFC. However, very rarely do we see them fight against each other. Islam Makhachev vs Zabit Magomedsharipov is an actual fight that happened years ago. Both, top-ranked fighters in their respective divisions in UFC were once paired against each other in an amateur combat sambo match.
Islam Makhachev is one of the favorites to be the next lightweight champion. While Zabit Magomedsharipov is also a featherweight prospect that is yet to showcase his full skillset in the octagon owing to a health issue. The two elite fighters fought each other in a combat sambo bout with the UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov as a mere spectator.
The footage of Islam vs Zabit was uploaded by YouTube user “Boris Bronson” in 2019. This hidden gem is a must-watch for fight enthusiasts and fans of the two fighters. Both the fighters fought a rather close bout. Watch the fight below:
Islam Makhachev defeats Zabit Magomedsharipov
In the footage of the fight, we can see the two Dagestanis fighting each other for two rounds, and in the end, turned out to be a very close fight. While Islam is known for his elite wrestling can be seen taken down by his opponent Zabit in the first round. Zabit also managed to get on the mount and get Islam’s cornerman, Khabib a little nervous as he yells out instructions in their native tongue.
However after the first round not going in his favor, Islam seemed to have turned the switch on dominate Zabit in the second round which gives him a victory. Though Islam might have got the better of Zabit on the ground, we can see clearly the difference in the level of striking.
Zabit was very clearly the superior striker back in the day as he absolutely scorches the future lightweight contender. Meanwhile, Islam finds it very tough to land strikes on the UFC featherweight.
Prateek Athanur
(2943 Articles Published)