Even coming off a decline to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Combat Night time: Cannonier vs. Strickland, Damir Ismagulov seemed like a guy who could quickly contend for a UFC title some day. The 31-12 months-outdated previous M-1 light-weight winner had tasted defeat just twice in 26 fights, and had hardly ever been concluded. With a very well rounded specialized video game and just one of lightweight’s finest jabs to depend on, he appeared primed to keep on being ‘in the mix’ at 155 lbs for many years to come.
It is a little something of a shock then that the Russian-born Kazakh fighter seems to have declared the conclusion of his career in a article to his social media accounts on Sunday, January 1st.
“Unfortunately, thanks to conditions and well being troubles, I have to finish my athletics job,” Ismagulov wrote on Instagram (h/t MMA Combating). “Thanks to all those who ended up by my side, no matter of the consequence in the battles, who sincerely hurt and nervous. It was an exciting journey, a minute to try to remember. Hugged everyone.”
Ismagulov went 5-1 more than his four-year UFC stint, selecting up noteworthy victories over Joel Alvarez, Thiago Moises, and Guram Kutateladze on the way. In the course of that extend, his job was sidelined for 18 months in between 2019-2021 because of to a collection of accidents. In an interview with the UFC—ahead of his return in opposition to Rafael Alves—however, Ismagulov claimed to be absolutely recovered and healthier.
No phrase however on specifically what the conditions of his modern wellbeing troubles may well be, but it’s an unfortunate summary to a marvelous run at the highest ranges of MMA.
