Islam Makhachev could be just months out from his next title defense and has been spotted training with forgotten UFC star, Zabit Magomedsharipov.
This past January, Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight title for a record-breaking third time, putting his name in the conversation as the greatest 155lb fighter of all time.
Since then, the Russian champion has teased a potential move up to the welterweight division to challenge for a second belt, however, he has been defiantly told that it won’t happen by his teammate and champion, Belal Muhammad.
And with that, Makhachev will likely defend his 155lb title, with Ilia Topuria recently teasing that the fight could take place at UFC 317, despite Makhachev not being interested in fighting him yet.
Islam Makhachev spotted training with Zabit Magomedsharipov
Ahead of his potential title defense against Topuria, Makhachev has been spotted back in intense training, and has even been seen training with former UFC star, Zabit Magomedsharipov.
Magomedsharipov recently teased a potential return to the UFC after retiring from the sport to become a doctor several years ago.
Many years ago, Dana White promised Zabit an immediate title shot if he made his comeback, potentially profiting from the bosses promise years on.
And now with Makhachev potentially in fight camp, he has been spotted sharpening the tools with Zabit, with him showing off his skills on the mat, and Zabit showing off his slick striking in the ring.
Who could Zabit Magomedsharipov fight in a potential UFC comeback?
Although it is still unclear whether Zabit will make his return to the sport, he has been welcomed back by an unranked contender who has thrown his name in the hat to fight him.
Despite that, the Russian will undoubtedly face a highly ranked contender if he does make his called for return, and a match up against Yair Rodriguez is one fans continuously call for.
Failing that, a fight against the long-time ranked contender, Brian Ortega could also make a lot of sense for both fighters.