The UFC loses a top ranked lightweight fighter, as Damir Ismagulov announced his retirement today via his personal Instagram account. He says health reasons are the reason, and he will have to give up professional sports due to the condition. He doesn't give details, but it must be serious to derail a very promising UFC career.
Just over four years ago, Damir Ismagulov entered the UFC's already stacked lightweight division and won his first fight with the promotion. With great technical wrestling and precision striking, the Khazakhstani fighter built his UFC record to 5-0, beating Rafael Alves, Thiago Moisés, Joel Alvarez, and Guram Kutateladze before finally losing to Arman Tsarukyan.
Originally from Khazakhstan, Ismagulov has been running MMA camps at the famed American Top Team academy in South Florida for years.
Ismagulov was a MMA Breakdowns and Bets favorite, and a very stable fighter to bet on. A lot of money was made betting his fights, as he was consistent and predictable. We always knew he would show up under the lights, and he checked so many boxes of our "betting bible."
Hopefully, medical professionals can diagnose and give a proper treatment, regardless if it allows for a return to competition.
