One of the biggest “what ifs” in Ultimate Fighting Championship history has officially returned.
Former top UFC featherweight contender Zabit Magomedsharipov has remained largely out of the public eye for almost a decade. Now he’s returning to combat sports, but not in the way many expected.
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On Monday (February 16, 2026), it was announced that Magomedsharipov signed with the Absolute Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ACBJJ) and will compete in a grappling match later this year.
While no details about the opponent, date or location were revealed, ACBJJ President Zaurbek Khasiev confirmed the signing with a brief but forceful statement.
“Important decisions are made in silence,” Khasiev wrote. “Negotiations are complete. Zabit Magomedsharipov joins ACBJJ. We are gathering the elite. Stay tuned.”
Magomedsharipov (18-1) has not competed since his unanimous decision victory calvin katar 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 fight and Magomedsharipov never walked again.
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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 wrestling and unorthodox style quickly made him one of the most intriguing contenders at 145 pounds.
Then, without further ado, he disappeared.
Now, at 34, Magomedsharipov is returning to competing through wrestling. It remains to be seen if this is a one-off appearance or the start of something bigger.
Could a return to competition, even in pure wrestling, rekindle your competitive fire for MMA?
Only time will tell.