Zabit Magomedsharipov Removed From UFC Featherweight Rankings – What Does This Mean For the Dagestani Fighter?

Zabit Magomedsharipov has been removed from the UFC’s featherweight rankings. The Dagestani fighter was placed in the #3rd spot just behind Brian Ortega and Max Holloway. However, in the latest rankings, all the fighters moved up a rank after Zabit Magomedsharipov was removed from the rankings. UFC is yet to give a statement on Zabit’s exclusion from the rankings. Ahead of the recent development, let’s take a look at why Zabit might have been removed from the rankings.

Zabit Magomedsharipov is widely regarded as one of the best featherweights in the world. Recently, former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov also shared his thoughts on the Dagestani fighter and called him the best featherweight on the planet.

Zabit’s last appearance inside the Octagon came way back in November of 2019 in a three-round main-event against Calvin Kattar. Zabit won the fight via unanimous decision in what was a Fight of the Night performance from both the fighters.

What’s next for Zabit Magomedsharipov?

It has been more than 15 months since Zabit last competed inside the Octagon. However, it’s hard to believe that Zabit is not in the rankings because of inactivity. In the past, several fighters have continues to remain in the UFC’s rankings despite not being active for more than 15 months. Additionally, the presence of Yair Rodriguez, who has not competed since October of 2019 raises questions on what is the reason why Zabit has been excluded from the UFC’s featherweight rankings.

Yair Rodriguez was suspended for six months after he failed to give his whereabouts, thereby being unavailable for testing by USADA. There’s a likely possibility that Zabit is suspended by USADA and the reason behind UFC’s decision to remove him from the rankings.

Recently, Conor McGregor raised several questions on USADA’s anti-doping policy, and how UFC is trying to keep everything under wraps. McGregor claimed Usman is using steroids as he called him a “juicehead.” In the past, he has also called out the UFC for clearing Nate Diaz’s name after he tested positive for illegal supplement back at UFC 244.

It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for Zabit Magomedsharipov. Only time will tell us what led to Magomedsharipov’s removal from UFC’s featherweight rankings.

What do you guys think? Do let us know in the comments section.

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