Zabit Magomedsharipov Returns After Five Years

The former UFC featherweight standout makes his long-awaited return under grappling rules, facing one of the sport’s most hyped young prospects in a high-profile matchup.

Zabit Magomedsharipov is officially making a comeback after five long years, though not under MMA rules as expected, but under grappling rules.

In 2020, he steered clear of MMA because he felt they didn't want to make him champion.

„I was making weight, going through camps, flying to America… and then the fight got canceled.“

he said after several fights were canceled, even though he was a potential contender for a UFC title. So, of course, his frustration is understandable.

In his comeback fight, he seems determined to prove right away that he would have been ready for the title. His opponent is now officially Raul Rosas Jr., who is ranked 13th in the bantamweight division and has a 12-1 record following his last victory in March. He’s considered a highly hyped young fighter who, among other things, signed his UFC deal at the age of 17. He displays outstanding discipline and could be a good role model, especially for young people.

“There will be times where you’re going to get tired… do you want a normal life or do you want to be great?”

he said in an interview. So Zabit Magomedsharipov didn't pick an easy opponent for his comeback fight—he chose a real name. It remains to be seen whether that was ultimately the right decision.

Of course, I'm excited about Zabit Magomedsharipov's comeback, and I'll definitely be following him, but I'm even more curious to see what happens after the fight. I don't think Zabit Magomedsharipov will fight in MMA again, but which division will he end up in? What do you guys think? Will he even continue fighting, and if so, in which division?