Zabit Magomedsharipov Takes Another Step Toward MMA Return With Abu Dhabi Announcement
The MMA community has been waiting for Zabit Magomedsharipov’s comeback for years, but that wait just got another reminder. After giving his gloves a long rest and making two appearances in grappling, Zabit is ready to step back into competition; only this time, the stage is set for wrestling.
Back in August, Zabit Magomedsharipov made a grand return to combat sports, stepping onto the mats against Youssef Zalal at ACBJJ 22 and securing a unanimous decision victory. Now, just two months later, the former UFC star is ready to do it all over again, with Abu Dhabi calling his name.
Zabit Magomedsharipov Slowly Makes His Way Back to Competition
After his grappling endeavour, a new chapter awaits Magomedsharipov, who has agreed to a four-match contract with Real American Freestyle, according to his Dominance MMA manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who informed MMA Junkie on Monday. He is set to make his debut for the promotion on its Nov. 14 card in Abu Dhabi against an opponent yet to be announced.
Excluding the grappling matchup, the last time Zabit Magomedsharipov clashed inside the Octagon was back in 2019, when he defeated an in-form Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision at UFC Moscow. The 35-year-old went 6-0 during his UFC run and scored a victory over Jeremy Stephens, along with a trio of stoppage wins.
When the bantamweight division began gaining prominence, Magomedsharipov left the UFC due to health issues and other personal reasons, becoming one of the biggest “what-ifs” in the sport. Many within MMA still wonder what the bantamweight division might have looked like had Magomedsharipov stayed and dominated the division.
He enters the arena alongside UFC veteran Giga Chikadze, who has competed in 13 fights for the promotion. Chikadze opened his UFC career with seven consecutive victories before suffering his first promotional defeat against Calvin Kattar in the UFC Vegas 46 main event in January 2022. The Georgian later bounced back with a win over Alex Caceres but has since dropped his last four Octagon appearances.
Meanwhile, Jordan Burroughs is set to renew his rivalry with Azamat Nurykau, whom he previously defeated in a memorable clash at the 2019 World Championships.
A blockbuster cruiserweight crossover championship clash between Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev will headline RAF Abu Dhabi.
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