Zabit Magomedsharipov set to face UFC featherweight Youssef Zalal in grappling match

Zabit Magomedsharipov is set to return to competition. The former UFC featherweight contender will face UFC featherweight Youssef Zalal in the main event of ACBJJ 22 on Aug. 30 in Istanbul, Turkey, the promotion announced. The Russian was originally scheduled to face Raul Rosas Jr. at ACBJJ 21 but had to withdraw due to an undisclosed injury. The matchup will be contested at 154 pounds.

Zabit Magomedsharipov Returns After More than Seven Years

Zabit Magomedsharipov was originally scheduled to face Raul Rosas Jr. at ACBJJ 21 in July, but the Russian withdrew from the matchup because of an injury. The bout would have marked his first competitive appearance since 2019, when he defeated Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision in his final UFC fight.

After dealing with health issues and physical injuries, the Russian retired from MMA in 2022 after compiling an 18-1 professional record and spending several years as one of the UFC's top featherweight contenders. He was ranked as high as No. 3 in the division before stepping away from the sport.

Youssef Zalal Provides New Challenge

Youssef Zalal will provide a different challenge for Magomedsharipov after his original matchup with Rosas fell through. "The Moroccan Devil" is currently competing in the UFC featherweight division and will enter the grappling match after suffering a decision loss to Aljamain Sterling in April, which snapped his eight-fight winning streak.

Despite his recent loss, Youssef Zalal remains an active UFC featherweight, making the matchup an intriguing test for Magomedsharipov in his return to competition. The bout will give fans another opportunity to see the former UFC contender in action after more than seven years away from competition, while Zalal will look to make an impression against one of the most highly regarded featherweights of his generation.