UFC featherweight contender Zabit Magomedsharipov has decided to officially retire from the sport of MMA.
MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz was the first to report the news of Magomedsharipov's retirement, stating that the 31-year-old Russian native has notified the UFC of his decision to stop competing. He retires with an 18-1 professional record and faced the likes of Calvin Kattar, Jeremy Stephens, Sheymon Moraes, and Kyle Bochniak over the course of his career, while also becoming the ACB featherweight champion. Magomedsharipov released the following statement via his official Instagram account, addressing his retirement.
"Assalamu alaikum friends! I know that many of you were waiting for my return, there was not a single day that someone did not ask when is my next fight was. But I decided to end my pro sports career. Disruptions of fights, and then health problems - all this did not allow me to perform/fight earlier. I have recovered now, but I don't feel the way I used to. Thank you to everyone who has supported me for such a long time. I didn’t have time to become a champion, but I think, even without this, I hope I was able to please/entertain you)) I cease to be an active athlete, but I do not leave the sport. I have something and with whom to share my knowledge. So don't say goodbye, friends!"
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