Imagine one of the most electrifying fighters in UFC history, a man who vanished at the peak of his powers, suddenly reappearing—but not in the way anyone expected. Zabit Magomedsharipov is back, and this time, he’s trading the Octagon for the grappling mats. Yes, you read that right. The former UFC Featherweight contender, whose absence left fans and analysts pondering endless 'what ifs,' has signed with the Absolute Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (ACBJJ). But here's where it gets controversial: Is this a one-time comeback or the first step toward a full-fledged return to combat sports? And this is the part most people miss—could grappling reignite his passion for MMA? Let’s dive in.
For nearly a decade, Magomedsharipov has remained largely out of the public eye, his last UFC appearance dating back to 2019 when he dominated Calvin Kattar in a unanimous decision at UFC Moscow. With a record of 18-1 and an undefeated 6-0 run in the UFC—including three finishes and multiple Performance of the Night bonuses—he was a force to be reckoned with. His dynamic striking, creative grappling, and unorthodox style made him a fan favorite and a serious contender at 145 pounds. But then, just as suddenly as he rose, he disappeared.
Scheduled to face Yair Rodriguez in August 2020, Magomedsharipov never stepped into the Octagon again after Rodriguez withdrew. In April 2021, he was removed from the UFC rankings due to inactivity, and by 2022, he officially retired, citing ongoing health issues. It seemed like the end of an era—until now.
On February 16, 2026, ACBJJ president Zaurbek Khasiev dropped a bombshell: 'Major decisions are made in silence. Negotiations are complete. Zabit Magomedsharipov joins ACBJJ. We are assembling the elite. Stay tuned.' While details about his opponent, date, or location remain under wraps, one thing is clear: Magomedsharipov is stepping back into competition, albeit in a different arena.
At 34 years old, his return to grappling raises intriguing questions. Is this a passion project, a way to stay connected to combat sports without the full-contact demands of MMA? Or could it be a testing ground, a way to gauge his readiness for a potential MMA comeback? Here’s the bold question: Could grappling be the spark that reignites his competitive fire for the UFC?
Magomedsharipov’s journey is a reminder of the unpredictability of combat sports. From his electric performances in the Octagon to his sudden retirement and now this unexpected return, he’s a fighter who keeps us guessing. Whether this is a one-off appearance or the beginning of something bigger, one thing is certain: Zabit Magomedsharipov is a name we’ll be hearing again. And that, my friends, is worth watching.
What do you think? Is this the start of a full comeback, or just a brief return to the spotlight? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
