Earlier this week, it was announced that Zabit Magomedsharipov was in need of an opponent, and the third-ranked featherweight contender already has someone in mind.

Magomedsharipov was supposed to face fifth-ranked featherweight contender Yair Rodriguez in the main event of a Fight Night on August 29, however, on Tuesday at the Contender Series, UFC President Dana White announced that Rodriguez had to withdraw from the event due to an ankle injury, leaving Magomedsharipov without an opponent. It’s an unfortunate turn for Magomedsharipov as the bout was viewed by many, including the current featherweight champion Alexander Volkaovski, as a possible title eliminator. But for Magomedsharipov, with Rodriguez now out, he’s ready to jump straight to a title shot instead.

Taking to social media yesterday, Magomedsharipov responded to Rodriguez’s withdrawal and then called out the featherweight champion.

“It’s funny I signed bout agreement few weeks ago, Yair never did, UFC never announced officially main event.

“Two options: 1. UFC playing games 2. Yair has no balls

“Alexander Volkanovski I’m waiting for you.”

It did not take Volkanovski long to shut Magomedsharipov down, telling Zabit to get a win and then he’d face him at the end of the year.

“I am the champ not the replacement fighter but I hope you find a matchup ASAP then chances are I see you later this year.”

But despite the clear rejection, Magomedsharipov remains undeterred. Shortly afterwards, the Dagestani standout renewed his callout of Volkanovski, playing on Volkanoski’s stated wishes to not fight Max Holloway for a third time in a row, and saying he would be happy to wait until later in the year since Volkanovski doesn’t want to have a short notice bout.

“My next fight was supposed to be title eliminator and I won without fighting. Next is a title shot. Alexander Volkanovski, I know you’re great champion and you’re tired of fighting Max. Let’s try new blood. I promise to make it unforgettable. Let’s give fans what they want, if you need a little time September or October fine with me. Dana White, Sean Shelby, UFC, I AM NEXT!”

Volkanoski did not respond to Magomedsharipov’s amended callout and unfortunately for both men, it may not matter anyway. Dana White has already stated a willingness to book Volkanovski-Holloway III next, and another top-ranked featherweight contender is chomping at the bit to step in against Magomedsharipov: sixth-ranked Calvin Kattar. Kattar’s coach responded to Sharipov’s statements about Rodriguez and called for a rematch.

“All due respect. “Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones”. You pulled out of Boston on us, you wouldn’t fight 5 rounds with us. We never called you out because we respect you and the UFC. Now please respect us and sign the contract v Calvin Kattar 8/29 5 rounds.”

Magomedsharipov and Kattar met last November in a rare three-round main event. OOriginally, the bout was scheduled for three rounds in Boston, Kattar’s hometown, but was then moved back a few weeks to become a main event in Moscow when Magomedsharipov was forced out with a staph infection). Magomedsharipov won a unanimous decision, winning the first two rounds but fading starkly in the third, where Kattar came on strong. Given the circumstances of their first fight, it’s clear that Kattar’s team believes a rematch would go differently, however, the UFC has yet to say what will happen.

Magomedsharipov is 17-1 in his MMA career and is 6-0 inside the UFC.

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MUST-READ STORIES

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Winning. Chris Weidman knows the pressure he’s facing after going 1-5 in his past six fights: ‘I need to get a freaking ‘W’.

Suspension. NAC extends temporary suspensions for Elliott, Hill and Pena for marijuana; Barriault positive for ostarine.

Character. Benson Henderson: Michael Chandler’s post-fight shove showed ‘a serious amount of your character’.

Gatekeeper. Carla Esparza ‘tired of being the gatekeeper,’ wants shot to become champion again.

Fairness. Deiveson Figueiredo says Cody Garbrandt title shot would be ‘unfair.’

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VIDEO STEW

Bellator media day.

Masvidal playing cornhole. Love that somehow at a cornhole event, the actual cornhole pro was booed.

Bellator’s Mind of a Fighter, Michael Chandler.

Beneil Dariush highlights.

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LISTEN UP

Heavy Hands. Discussing Derek Brunson and Derrick Lewis.

UFC Unfiltered. Interviews with Robert Whittaker and Beneil Dariush.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

This would also work.

Call out.

Not entirely sure what Borrachinha is going for here.

Now that’s just unlucky.

Beef.

Statements.

Derrick Lewis.

Fight poster.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jim Miller (32-14) vs. Vinc Pichel (12-2); UFC 252, Aug. 15.

Christopher Daukaus (8-3) vs. Parker Porter (10-5); UFC 252, Aug. 15.

Dwight Grant (10-2) vs. Jared Gooden (17-4); UFC Fight Night, Aug. 22.

Thiago Moises (13-4) vs. Jalin Turner (9-5); UFC Fight Night, Sep. 5.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

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EXIT POLL

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