Yair Rodriguez believes he still has unfinished business with Zabit Magomedsharipov.
The featherweights were supposed to square off at UFC 228, but Rodriguez was forced to pull out of the fight due to injury. Instead, Magomedsharipov submitted short-notice opponent Brandon Davis in the second round last weekend in Dallas. After the bout, the Dagestani fighter called out Chad Mendes, but Rodriguez is hoping that potential matchup can wait.
“Miss the feeling of being able to train, should be cleared soon,” Rodriguez wrote on Twitter. “Congratulations [to Zabit] on an amazing performance. Hopefully your business with [Chad Mendes] can wait so we can settle ours.”
The 25-year-old Mexican star hasn’t competed since UFC 211 in May 2017, when he was overwhelmed by Frankie Edgar en route to a second-round doctor stoppage defeat. Prior to that, “El Pantera” had won eight bouts in a row, including six in the UFC.
The UFC briefly cut Rodriguez for it claims was his refusal to accept a fight with Magomedsharipov earlier this year. The promotion then rescinded the termination of his contract to set up a meeting with Magomedsharipov at UFC 228. Rodriguez released a statement calling the entire situation a big miscommunication.”
Miss the feeling of being able to train, should be cleared soon. congratulations @zabit_mma on an amazing performance. Hopefully your business with @chadmendes can wait so we can settle ours. pic.twitter.com/aT8nQEyFfo
— Yair Rodriguez (@panteraufc) September 12, 2018