One of the UFC’s rising featherweight stars returns at UFC 223.
A previously rumored bout between rising UFC star Zabit Magomedsharipov has been confirmed for UFC 223. On Tuesday, the UFC announced that Magomedsharipov would face Kyle Bochniak at the event, which takes place in Brooklyn this April. The Dagestani fighter previously spoke of the bout on social media, noting that a number of fellow fighters had turned down the opportunity to face him.
Magomedsharipov (14-1) has turned heads in the UFC featherweight division, where he has earned two Performance of the Night bonuses in two appearances. Undefeated since 2013, he has proven incredibly dangerous on the feet, but is adept on the ground as well, finishing both his UFC fights via submission.
In Kyle Bochniak (8-2), Zabit Magomedsharipov gets a logical next step. Bochniak is 2-2 in the UFC, and is coming off a win over Brandon Davis at UFC 220. Each and every one of Bochniak’s UFC appearances have ended in decision, and after a somewhat plodding fight against Davis, the UFC may be looking at how Zabit handles a fighter who will attempt to nullify his flashy style.
With a win, ‘ZaBeast’ may be deemed ready for a real step up in competition. Which could pave the way for several exciting match-ups in the UFC’s stacked 145lb division.
UFC 223 takes place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY on April 7.
