Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For August 1, 2024, we’re taking a look at:
- Magomedsharipov isn’t motivated by money or other promises
- Mokaev explores new career paths
- Ige vs Murphy booked again for Abu Dhabi
Zabit Magomedsharipov Says The UFC Tried To Bring Him Back Multiple Times But He Doesn’t Have The Desire
The incredibly exciting Zabit Magomedsharipov remains one of the biggest ‘what ifs’ in MMA history.
He went undefeated in the featherweight division and was on the cusp of a title shot before a long period of inactivity was followed by the news that he had decided to retire.
Magomedsharipov spoke in a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, where he revealed details about his current status and how the UFC have tried to bring him back several times.
“Yes they do from time to time since I left the sport. Three or four times they got in touch, they wanted to have a meeting with me, invited me to the US but I couldn’t go. I know that I can’t promise them anything so why should I go and meet with them?”
He added that returning to MMA is something he has thought about in the past but he doesn’t have the passion for competing right now, only for training and coaching.
Still only 33 years old, Magomedsharipov added that the UFC made substantial offers but that isn’t the deciding factor, adding that he doesn’t see a return ever happening.
“No, it’s not. They promised me a lot of things, but that’s not the point. I simply made up my mind. I don’t want to prove anything to anybody. Come back, go through training camps, I have no desire to return and it’s not about money. Whatever they offer me I don’t think I will ever come back.”
Zabit says the UFC has reached out to him 3-4 times to try and get him to return
“They promised me a lot of things, but that’s not the point… I have no desire to return.
And it’s not about money. Whatever they offer me I don’t think I will ever come back.”
@RedCorner_MMA /… pic.twitter.com/VhMmGHJLnH
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 31, 2024
Muhammad Mokaev Jokes About Finding A New Career Option After UFC Departure
Muhammad Mokaev finds himself in a very strange position in his career that seemed unimaginable just several days ago.
With the UFC not wanting to renew his contract despite his clear potential and success in the flyweight division, going to another major promotion seemed the clear route for him.
However, Mokaev has made it clear that he still hopes to come to an agreement with the UFC and isn’t interested in signing with the PFL at this stage, who would be the clear favorite to land his signature.
“The Punisher” has instead been posting a series of memes on his social media account to show how he will be spending his time now that he is out of contract with few options.
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) July 31, 2024
Dan Ige Gets Abu Dhabi Return After UFC 303 Heroics
After he stepped up and helped save the day at UFC 303, Dan Ige has got his next assignment.
Ige was massively in the promotion’s good books after he agreed to fight Diego Lopes on the very same day and stepped into the co-main event.
Whilst he didn’t get his hand raised on that occasion, he will look to return to the win column at UFC 308 on October 27 in Abu Dhabi, per MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck.
Just like how Lopes has been rescheduled for UFC 306 in his original fight with Brian Ortega, Ige will compete in a match-up that got away from him also when he takes on the #11-ranked featherweight Lerone Murphy.
Murphy withdrew from their fight that was booked for February and went on to defeat Edson Barboza last time out.
Read more on the story here.
For more MMA news, check out:
- Tony Ferguson Reacts To Dana White’s Retirement Pleas Ahead Of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi Return
- 2024 PFL 7 Playoffs: Denis Goltsov vs. Tim Johnson Weigh-In Results
- VIDEO: Alexander Volkanovski Shoots Takedown In Attempt To Stop Bantamweight Attacking Michael Page At UFC 304 Fighter Hotel
Continue Reading MMA News Today: Zabit Magomedsharipov Reveals UFC Tried To Unsuccessfully Lure Him Back Multiple Times, Muhammad Mokaev Jokingly Teases Jobs At Uber, McDonald’s After UFC Release, & More at MMA News.