In the rare three-round main event of UFC Moscow, Zabit Magomedsharipov would defeat Calvin Kattar to move one step closer into title contention.
UFC Moscow’s main event wasn’t the fight that was originally advertised as the headliner — but it had the potential to be bigger. More relevant, in the sense that either Calvin Kattar or Zabit Magomedsharipov could break through to the next level in the featherweight division, and announce himself as a real contender in the division currently lorded over by Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway.
To start Zabit was coming forward throwing a lot of kicks, and trading with Kattar. However, Kattar couldn’t really get in on the bigger fighter to land his big right hand. Zabit kept chopping Kattar down with his kicks and dropped Kattar with them at one point. Zabit was landing nice combinations on the outside as Kattar struggled to land much of anything until the final minute of the round. Kattar landed a few more combinations and threw a flying knee at one point, but Zabit ate it all and kept coming. A very good first round for Zabit Magomedsharipov as he threw many unique kicks and combinations.
The action slowed down a bit in the second as opposed to the first. Zabit slowed down a lot but his movement was still excellent on the outside, as Kattar tried to put on the pressure, but couldn’t land much. Zabit shot for a takedown briefly before Kattar stuffed it. Zabit then shot again and secured the takedown, however, Kattar got up and landed a left hand. Still, Zabit was doubling up on strikes throughout the first two rounds, as Kattar struggled to land much. Zabit would end the round throwing a cartwheel kick that was blocked by Kattar, followed by a left hand by the Boston fighter.
Both fighters started off by exchanging jabs before Zabit landed a brutal kick downstairs. However, Kattar went right back to fighting immediately. Zabit kept threatening with spins; Katter started moving forward but couldn’t cut off the cage. Zabit would threaten with a takedown attempt but Kattar stuffed it. Kattar landed a big combination near the end of the round, however, Zabit kept moving out of the way of his punches. Zabit was starting to look tired near the end of the round, as Kattar was landing more and more. However, Kattar would look for a flying knee in the final minute but was taken down as a result. Kattar would throw tons of strikes off his back, but it wouldn’t get him the win.
Official Result: Zabit Magomedsharipov def. Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
