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After a seven-year absence, the Russian signs a multi-fight contract with Real American Freestyle and prepares his return to the spotlight
UFC

Published 6 days ago

After a seven-year absence, the Russian signs a multi-fight contract with Real American Freestyle and prepares his return to the spotlight

Zabit Magomedsharipov, a former UFC prodigy, returns to MMA after retiring in 2022. He has signed a multi-fight contract with Real American Freestyle and will face his first fight on November 14, 2024, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This comeback follows a grappling victory in August 2024, confirming his regained form.

To remember:

  • Zabit Magomedsharipov returns to MMA after retiring in 2022.
  • His first fight is scheduled for November 14, 2024, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
  • He has signed a multi-fight contract with Real American Freestyle.
  • His UFC record stands at 18 wins in 19 fights.
  • He confirmed his form in grappling with a victory in August 2024.

Unbelievable! After an early retirement in 2022, Zabit Magomedsharipov, one of the most promising talents of his generation, is making a grand comeback to the combat sports scene. At 35, the Russian has signed a multi-fight contract with Real American Freestyle, marking his return to MMA after nearly seven years away. His departure had left a sense of unfinished business, but this comeback is set to take center stage.


This MMA return is highly anticipated, with his first appearance scheduled for November 14, 2024 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. A prestigious setting for a fighter whose UFC record—18 wins in 19 fights—continues to captivate MMA fans. His technical style and formidable grappling had made him an undisputed star of the sport.


A Comeback Under the Sign of Grappling

Before this MMA return, Magomedsharipov had returned to competition in August 2024 with a grappling match against Youssef Zalal. A unanimous decision victory at ACBJJ 22 confirmed his regained form, despite a July withdrawal due to injury. This detour through grappling seems to have been the perfect transition for his return to the cage.


His MMA comeback is thus shaping up to be a major event for fans of the sport. With an impressive record and flawless technique, Zabit Magomedsharipov could very well write a new chapter in his legend in 2024.

Zabit Magomedsharipov’s return to MMA is an event that has already sparked excitement among fans. With a legendary record and confirmed form in grappling, the Russian could well make history in the sport in 2024.

Editor's Opinion
By Nakmen
Ah, Zabit returning like a ghost from the UFC, but classier than a Batman ninja! 35 years old, seven years off, and boom—he shows up in Abu Dhabi like a grappling king with steel arms and a smile that scares the hell out of you. His comeback is great news, especially after those years of struggling between injuries and "I'll be back later." Grappling is his playground, and if RAFA gives him a second chance, we might get a show worthy of Jurassic Park: spectacular, unpredictable, and with fans going wild. But hey, 35 isn’t the age of Spider-Man after his return—let’s not get carried away. That said, if the guy can keep his technique and mindset sharp, this could be a beautiful comeback. Stay tuned, but don’t put too much pressure on him, okay? We don’t need another OSS117 getting outsmarted by an opponent 20 years his junior.
Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen

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