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Zabit Magomedsharipov's retirement from MMA is still fresh on everyone's minds, but he is not the only prospect in the family as his younger brother Khasan has announced his intention to join the UFC.
The former UFC featherweight was undoubtedly one of the best fighters in his division despite only competing in the octagon for two years. In his six fights with the company, the Russian quickly became a fan favorite and was likely within touching distance of a title shot before he brought an end to his fighting career.
Following his third straight win in the Bellator cage, Khasan Magomedsharipov took some time to talk through his future in the sport, with the ace admitting that his move to the UFC could be imminent.
"I want to fight in the UFC but I'm liking Bellator too because I like these people, I like how Bellator works with me. Maybe [I'll join the UFC] in a couple of fights. My contract is very close [to ending], one fight and I finish my contract. We'll see, we'll see. Maybe I'm going to the UFC, maybe I'm staying here."
Khasan put on yet another showcase last time out, earning a first-round stoppage of 11-fight veteran Rafael Hudson at Bellator 291 earlier today.
Carrying a perfect 8-0 record, the 22-year-old could well fill the void his brother left and go on to become a real problem for the 145lb division, no matter which organization he's fighting under.
Check out what Khasan Magomedsharipov had to say about a potential UFC move in the video below.
Zabit Magomedsharipov's UFC record: Was the Dagestani as good as he's reported to have been?
Although his career inside the octagon was short-lived, Zabit Magomedsharipov made a huge impact on his division and the sport as a whole during his two years under the UFC banner.
Despite having an arsenal of dynamic attacks and power strikes, the now-31-year-old failed to score a knockout victory whilst competing for the promotion. But just as strong as he was on the feet, the well-rounded athlete was a wizard with grappling and managed to collect three submission wins in his time with the UFC.
Wins over Calvin Kattar, Jeremy Stephens, and Brandon Davis, alongside a must-watch war with Kyle Bochniak, are arguably Zabit Magomedsharipov's most memorable moments inside the cage. Collecting a sensational four post-fight bonuses in his six octagon outings proves just how good he was.
