Zabit Magomedsharipov announces combat sports return 7 years after final UFC fight

February 16, 2026 - 20:11

One of the most tantalizing "what-ifs" in mixed martial arts history is stepping back into the spotlight. Zabit Magomedsharipov, the supremely talented featherweight who walked away from the UFC at his peak, has announced his return to combat sports after a seven-year absence from competition.

Magomedsharipov left an indelible mark during his brief but spectacular UFC run from 2017 to 2020. With a unique blend of sambo mastery, creative striking, and otherworldly agility, he amassed a perfect 6-0 record in the promotion. His performances were so dominant and stylistically captivating that many analysts and fans saw him as a future champion. However, in 2022, citing ongoing health issues, he shocked the combat sports world by announcing his retirement from the UFC while still officially ranked among the division's top contenders.

The specifics of his return—including the promotion, date, and opponent—remain under wraps. Speculation is rampant as to whether he will return to MMA or perhaps explore other combat sports avenues. Regardless of the format, the announcement has sent waves of excitement through the fighting community. For years, discussions of the featherweight division's potential have been haunted by the ghost of Zabit's unfulfilled potential. Now, the enigmatic star is poised to write the next chapter of his story, seeking to answer the questions that have lingered since his mysterious departure.