Max Holloway’s UFC featherweight title challenge had many top contenders in the mix for dream clashes with the reigning champion. This includes the UFC’s undefeated Zabit Magomedsharipov, who was on the brink of a potential title shot with wins over Calvin Kattar, Jeremy Stephens and Sheymon Moraes.
Coined by many as the “featherweight Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Magomedsharipov dominated throughout his 19-fight professional MMA career. After a defeat in 2013 at ProFC 47, Magomedsharipov went on to not lose a single fight until his abrupt retirement in 2021.
A canceled fight with Yair Rodriguez in August 2020 led to Magomedsharipov’s withdrawal from active competition due to health issues affecting his immune system. Before being removed from the UFC rankings, Magomedsharipov reached as high as third in the featherweight division.
But Magomedsharipov has been teasing an MMA comeback in recent months, years away from his 2021 leave of absence. Now Magomedsharipov is taking a big step toward potentially making it happen.
Zabit Magomedsharipov signs with Russian promotion for first appearance since 2019
In a recent one Instagram post, Magomedsharipov shared footage of himself struggling, hinting at his plans.
“Not again, but again, ACB BJJ,” wrote Magomedsharipov.
ACB BJJ then seemingly confirmed Magomedsharipov’s comeback in a recent post on their website Instagram‘welcome’ the former UFC star to their roster. Magomedsharipov’s promotional debut is expected to wrap up in the coming weeks.
Magomedsharipov made his UFC debut in September 2017, finishing Mike Santiago by second-round submission. He retired after a 14-fight winning streak before hanging up the gloves.
Whoever Magomedsharipov faces in his ACB BJJ debut, his rival is in for a rude awakening on the mats. His performances could go a long way in determining a potential return to the cage at age 34.
Will Zabit Magomedsharipov ever fight in the UFC again? Let us know in the comments!
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