Zhalgas Zhumagulov
Zhako
Kazakhstan
Third straight split decision loss
Zhumagulov lost to Joshua Van via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 28-29) at UFC on ABC 5 on Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida.
ANALYSIS
This was a lousy performance from Zhumagulov as a -225 favorite against an opponent making his company debut. He was fine in the opening frame, landing a takedown and racking up some control time, but Van seemed to improve as the fight progressed, while Zhumagulov remained in neutral. This for all the world appeared like a 29-28 Van victory, although judge Barry Luxenberg -- who rarely scores UFC fights -- gave Zhumagulov the third round, creating the split decision. Now 34 years of age, Zhumagulov has lost four in a row (three via split decision) and seven of his last eight dating back to July 2020. It will be extremely difficult for the company to run him back out there.
This was a lousy performance from Zhumagulov as a -225 favorite against an opponent making his company debut. He was fine in the opening frame, landing a takedown and racking up some control time, but Van seemed to improve as the fight progressed, while Zhumagulov remained in neutral. This for all the world appeared like a 29-28 Van victory, although judge Barry Luxenberg -- who rarely scores UFC fights -- gave Zhumagulov the third round, creating the split decision. Now 34 years of age, Zhumagulov has lost four in a row (three via split decision) and seven of his last eight dating back to July 2020. It will be extremely difficult for the company to run him back out there.
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Now fighting Joshua Van
Zhumagulov will take on Joshua Van in a flyweight bout at a UFC event in Jacksonville on June 24, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Zhumagulov was initially slated to fight Felipe Bunes, but the latter was pulled from the card last minute. Now, the flyweight will take on another UFC newcomer in Joshua Van. Zhumagulov could use a win desperately, as he's dropped three straight fights and had his next three fights cancelled.
Zhumagulov was initially slated to fight Felipe Bunes, but the latter was pulled from the card last minute. Now, the flyweight will take on another UFC newcomer in Joshua Van. Zhumagulov could use a win desperately, as he's dropped three straight fights and had his next three fights cancelled.
Fight scheduled against newcomer
Zhumagulov will fight Felipe Bunes in a flyweight bout at UFC Vegas 75 on June 17, according to Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Bunes entered the UFC as LFA Flyweight Champion. He will look to both welcome the newcomer with his first win since 2021 and break a 1-5 skid that began back in 2020.
Bunes entered the UFC as LFA Flyweight Champion. He will look to both welcome the newcomer with his first win since 2021 and break a 1-5 skid that began back in 2020.
Bout called off
Zhumagulov's fight against Rafael Estevam at UFC 288 on Saturday was canceled due weight-management concerns for Estevam, Nolan King of USA Today.
ANALYSIS
It's a tough break for Zhumagulov, who is now off Saturday's card through no fault of his own. It's not clear when either fighter will make their next appearance in the Octagon.
It's a tough break for Zhumagulov, who is now off Saturday's card through no fault of his own. It's not clear when either fighter will make their next appearance in the Octagon.
Will now face Estevam
Zhumagulov will now face Rafael Estevam in a flyweight UFC event on May 6, per MMAJunkie.com.
ANALYSIS
Zhumagulov was initially slated to fight Nate Maness at UFC 288, but his opponent has been switched. He'll face the undefeated Rafael Estevam, while desperately needing a win of his own in the midst of a three-bout loosing streak.
Zhumagulov was initially slated to fight Nate Maness at UFC 288, but his opponent has been switched. He'll face the undefeated Rafael Estevam, while desperately needing a win of his own in the midst of a three-bout loosing streak.
Taking on Maness
Zhumagulov is set to face off with Nate Maness in a bantamweight bout, at UFC 288 on May 6, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Zhumagulov, who was most recently defeated by Charles Johnson in November, has drawn Nate Maness for his next fight. The 34-year-old fighter has lost his last three fights, maintaining a 1-5 record in the UFC overall.
Zhumagulov, who was most recently defeated by Charles Johnson in November, has drawn Nate Maness for his next fight. The 34-year-old fighter has lost his last three fights, maintaining a 1-5 record in the UFC overall.