Zabit Magomedsharipov is a name UFC fans haven’t heard in a while.
The talented striker left things unfinished in the UFC, leaving the premier promotion with a perfect 6-0 record, thought to never return after his surprising retirement announcement in 2022.
In his last two fights in 2019, Magomedsharipov defeated perennial contenders Jeremy Stephens and Calvin Kattar before hanging up the gloves at the age of 31.
Magomedsharipov held an impressive pro record of 18-1 and was ranked as high as #4 in the UFC featherweight division, leaving many to wonder what he would’ve accomplished if he never left – some fans clamoring for his comeback.
Zabit Magomedsharipov’s team teases “he will be back soon”
Time away from the Octagon hasn’t kept the Russian out of the gym.
Nearly six years removed from a rare three-round main event in Moscow, there’s a possibility Magomedsharipov could return later this year.
“He will be back soon,” teammate Muskhab Kudiev wrote of Magomedsharipov on Monday.
“His cam back [comeback],” Kudiev posted to his story.
“As always, in perfect form.”
Magomedsharipov was seen shadowboxing and throwing kicks from Buka Gym in Dubai.
“Please come back,” one UFC fan commented.
Where does Zabit Magomedsharipov fit in the UFC today?
As of this writing, Zabit Magomedsharipov has yet to submit any drug test samples to the UFC Anti-Doping Program, which he’d need to be eligible to fight again.
Known for his striking prowess, athleticism and unpredictable kicks, Magomedsharipov’s style is a puzzle no one has solved in six UFC appearances.
Magomedsharipov is one of the tallest featherweights ever at 6’1″, riding a 14-fight winstreak at 34 years old in 2025.
With champ Ilia Topuria gone and Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes soon fighting for the vacant title, a UFC comeback for Magomedsharipov could shake things up even more in the featherweight division. After all, the Russian left the company as a top-5 contender.
Magomedsharipov was last booked to fight Yair Rodriguez back in 2020. However, the exciting standup battle was scrapped due to an injury for Rodriguez.
A flashy, unpredictable style like Magomedsharipov’s, the Mexican Rodriguez still remains among the top of the division years later, set to fight Patricio Pitbull at UFC 314 next month.
