A Zabit Magomedsharipov return to MMA seems extremely unlikely – but this might be the next best thing for fans dreaming to see him compete.
Magomedsharipov, 35, has signed a four-match deal with Real American Freestyle (RAF), his manager Ali Abdelaziz, of Dominance MMA, informed MMA Junkie on Monday. He will debut against an opponent-to-be-named-later on the promotion's Nov. 14 card in Abu Dhabi.
Magomedsharipov captivated audiences during his UFC run from 2017 to 2019. He's often a top answer in the MMA discourse about the biggest "what-ifs," having walked away from the sport at 18-1 and 6-0 UFC. He's competed sparingly in grappling in recent years, most recently defeating Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision at ACBJJ 22 in August.
The circumstances
around Magomedsharipov's MMA departure still remain a bit unclear, though he's indicated health issues and a pursuit of other real-world opportunities contributed to his retirement.
So while fight fans may never again see Magomedsharipov throw a spinning back kick to an opponent's face, the good news is they may get a jumping leg sweep or two before all is said and done.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: RAF signs former UFC star Zabit Magomedsharipov
