Former UFC Featherweight Magomedsharipov Returns to Combat Sports

There are one-hit wonders in the music world, and also in the growing world of UFC. While it is hard to take a loss from our favorite gladiators, what’s worse are nagging questions about what could have been. Such was the case for Zabit Magomedsharipov.

Former two-time UFC Featherweight contender Zabit Magomedsharipov had remained fairly quiet in the public realm for the past 10 years. For ten years, fight fans argued and debated about where Zabit would rank had he not left the arena. Recently, however, sportsbook reviewers like Bettingtop10.co.nz, who specialize in sportsbooks with MMA and UFC coverage, have learned that Zabit has decided to step back into competition. The problem? He won’t be doing it under MMA rules.

Magomedsharipov signed with Absolute Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (ACBJJ) on February 16, and is expected to compete in a grappling contest later this year. No further details were shared about his opponent, the date, or the location about his anticipated return to the fight world. However, ACBJJ President Zaurbek Khasiev confirmed the signing in a cryptic social media post.

Magomedsharipov (18-1) last competed inside the UFC cage at UFC Moscow, defeating Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision in the main event. After initially agreeing to fight Yair Rodriguez in Aug. 2020, he was removed from the card when Rodriguez withdrew. That would be the last time he would fight professionally.

He was pulled from the UFC rankings in April 2021 due to inactivity and officially retired from the sport one year later, citing health problems. During his first run, Magomedsharipov was special while he was active. Recording six fights inside the Octagon, he amassed an undefeated record (6-0) with three finishes. During that time, he was twice awarded “Fight of the Night.” Zabit was known for his impressive striking, innovative submission game, and overall unorthodox approach.

Now 34 years old, “ZaBeast” is back in the spotlight, looking to compete once again. This time around, however, he’ll be doing so via grappling. It’s still unclear whether this fight will be a one-time thing or if Magomedsharipov has bigger plans to return to MMA down the road.