Zabit Magomedsharipov returns after six-year absence to face rising UFC star

Zabit Magomedsharipov is finally set to return to combat sports, almost seven years after his last UFC bout.

Zabit, 35, burst onto the radar of UFC fans in 2017 when he submitted Mike Santiago before going on a six-fight winning streak over a two-year period, securing victories over well-known fighters Jeremy Stephens and Calvin Kattar.

Much like his fellow Dagestani, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Zabit was quickly becoming one of the most feared fighters rising through the promotion's ranks.

And after his unanimous decision victory over Kattar in Moscow in November 2019, very few people thought it would be his final fight under the UFC’s banner.

But that proved to be the case, and the 35-year-old has not fought since.

In 2020, Zabit was scheduled to face Yair Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night 175, but his opponent pulled out due to an ankle injury.

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Almost a year later, he was removed from the UFC’s rankings due to his inactivity, despite being the No. 3-ranked contender at the time.

In June 2021, he addressed his lengthy absence, citing “disruptions of fights and then health problems” before retiring from MMA.

In a statement, he wrote: “Assalamu alaikum, friends! I know that many of you were waiting for my return. There was not a single day when someone did not ask when my next fight was. But I decided to end my professional sports career.

“Disruptions of fights, and then health problems – all this did not allow me to perform/fight earlier. I have recovered now, but I don’t feel the way I used to.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me for such a long time. I didn’t have time to become a champion, but I think, even without this, I hope I was able to entertain you.

“I cease to be an active athlete, but I do not leave the sport. I have something and someone with whom to share my knowledge.

“So don’t say goodbye, friends!”

Zabit took a step back from public life before his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, posted a clip of him training with welterweight champion Islam Makhachev in June 2025.

Abdelaziz also went into detail about the fighter’s retirement during an appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast.

“Honestly, he got booked like three or four times with Yair Rodriguez. Yair Rodriguez kept pulling out on him,” Abdelaziz said. “He just lost love.

“I am not going to blame anyone from the UFC. I could, but I am not going to do it. I think it was a little bit of the UFC’s fault, and also maybe a little bit of my fault. I should never have made them book him again with Yair Rodriguez. This guy pulled out three or four times, right?

“In a way, I think Zabit fell off. He has a lot of business interests, a wife and kids. He said, ‘I don’t need to do this.’”

A year on, though, he has yet to fight. It now appears his return to combat sports has been confirmed.

Despite reports that he was due to face UFC star Dan Hooker in a grappling match, Absolute Championship BJJ have announced that Zabit will make his long-awaited return to combat sports against UFC bantamweight prospect Raul Rosas Jr.

The event will take place in Moscow on July 5, with the fighters competing under no-gi rules at a weight limit of 70kg (154lbs).

MMA fans react to Zabit Magomedsharipov’s return

After the announcement was made, fans offered their thoughts on social media, and it’s safe to say most are excited.

One said: “Noooo Zabit is back!! The most entertaining Dagestani on the planet by far.”

Another added: “Heeeeez a problem let’s go zabit.”

A third claimed: “WTF?????? This is like 10x more shocking than Conor coming back or any other fighter reappearing outside of Khabib, definitely thought he would never compete again in any capacity.”

While a fourth commented: “Zabit?! Tell me he’s considering making a comeback to MMA.”