Former UFC star Zabit Magomedsharipov again books long-awaited return

Zabit Magomedsharipov is set to compete in combat sports for the first time in nearly seven years. The former UFC featherweight will face Youssef Zalal in the main event of ACBJJ 22, a grappling event scheduled for August 30 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Magomedsharipov, a Russian striker who built a devoted following during his UFC tenure from 2017 to 2019, stepped away from competition after a proposed bout with Yair Rodriguez fell through. His last Octagon appearance came in 2019 against Calvin Kattar. Zalal, a current UFC featherweight contender, recently suffered a setback when former champion Aljamain Sterling defeated him in April, ending an eight-fight winning streak.

This return comes after Magomedsharipov was previously scheduled for a grappling match against Raul Rosas Jr. in July but withdrew due to an undisclosed injury. His long absence has left many fans wondering about his competitive status, but his acceptance of the ACBJJ 22 bout suggests he is ready to test himself again. Fellow fighters Kerim Engizek and Belal Muhammad are also part of the grappling card.