Zabit Magomedsharipov Returns for Grappling Bout

Former UFC fighter Zabit Magomedsharipov is set to make his competitive return on July 5th, but it won't be in the Octagon. Instead, he'll be competing in a grappling match.

The retired MMA talent will participate in a no-gi grappling bout at 70 kg against Raul Rosas Jr. This highly anticipated matchup will headline the upcoming ACBJJ gala event in Moscow, Russia. The co-main event will feature UFC welterweight Rinat Fakhretdinov facing Armen Petrosyan.

Initially, rumors circulated that Magomedsharipov would face Dan Hooker, but Rosas Jr. has ultimately been confirmed as his opponent.

Magomedsharipov ended his mixed martial arts career in 2020 following yet another canceled bout with Yair Rodriguez. He retired with a professional record of 18-1, including six consecutive victories in the UFC. He recently revealed that his decision to step away from the sport was driven by numerous canceled fights and a feeling that the UFC "didn't want to make him a champion."

The Russian talent, now 35 years old, secured victories over Jeremy Stephens and Calvin Kattar in his final UFC appearances in 2019.

Raul Rosas Jr., currently ranked 13th in the official UFC bantamweight rankings, improved his company record to 6-1 after a decision win over Rob Font in March. This marked his fifth consecutive victory since 2023. He is no stranger to grappling encounters, having previously competed in a match against Deiveson Figueiredo in Brazil, which ended in a draw as neither fighter could secure a submission.