One of the biggest “what ifs” in Ultimate Fighting Championship history is officially back.
Former top UFC Featherweight contender Zabit Magomedsharipov has largely stayed out of the public eye for nearly a decade. Now, he’s returning to combat sports — just not in the way many expected.
On Monday (Feb. 16, 2026), it was announced that Magomedsharipov has signed with Absolute Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (ACBJJ) and will compete in a grappling match later this year.
While no details regarding opponent, date, or location were revealed, ACBJJ president Zaurbek Khasiev confirmed the signing with a brief but pointed statement.
“Major decisions are made in silence,” Khasiev wrote. “Negotiations are complete. Zabit Magomedsharipov joins ACBJJ. We are assembling the elite. Stay tuned.”
Magomedsharipov (18-1) hasn’t competed since his unanimous decision win over Calvin Kattar in the main event of UFC Moscow in 2019. He was later scheduled to face Yair Rodriguez in August 2020, but Rodriguez withdrew from the bout — and Magomedsharipov never made the walk again.
In April 2021, he was removed from the UFC rankings due to inactivity. About a year later, he officially retired, citing ongoing health issues.
Inside the Octagon, Magomedsharipov was electric. He went 6-0 under the UFC banner, earning three finishes, four Performance of the Night bonuses, and two Fight of the Night awards. His dynamic striking, creative grappling, and unorthodox style quickly made him one of the most intriguing contenders at 145 pounds.
Then — just like that — he was gone.
Now, at 34 years old, Magomedsharipov is stepping back into competition through grappling. Whether this is a one-off appearance or the beginning of something bigger remains to be seen.
Could a return to competition — even in pure grappling — reignite his competitive fire for MMA?
Only time will tell.
