Zabit Magomedsharipov will compete at ACB JJ on July 5 in Moscow at a weight of 70 kilograms. The post does not specify whether this is a grappling or MMA event. No opponent has been announced, and the channel is asking fans whom they would like to see matched against Zabit. The announcement marks a return to competition for the former UFC featherweight contender, though further details about the event or bout are limited.
Zabit Magomedsharipov is set to return to competition on July 5 in Moscow, competing under the ACB JJ banner at a weight of 70 kilograms. No opponent has been named, with organizers inviting fans to suggest who they would like to see face him.
The 35-year-old Russian holds an 18-1-0 professional record and built his reputation as one of the most dynamic fighters in the UFC featherweight division before stepping away from competition. Standing six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach, Magomedsharipov was a nightmare matchup for opponents during his UFC run, averaging 4.89 significant strikes landed per minute at 48 percent accuracy while also threatening consistently on the ground with 5.22 takedowns per 15 minutes. He now trains out of Ricardo Almeida Jiu-Jitsu, making an ACB JJ appearance a natural fit given the organization's grappling focus, though the announcement has not confirmed whether the bout will be a grappling contest or an MMA fight.
Why it matters
- Magomedsharipov was once ranked among the top featherweights in the world, and any return draws immediate attention in that division.
- The 70-kilogram weight class sits between featherweight and lightweight, leaving the competitive context of the appearance somewhat open until a format and opponent are confirmed.
- His well-rounded skill set — striking volume, elite takedown output, and submission threats — makes him a compelling figure regardless of the ruleset under which he competes.
- The lack of a named opponent means the bout's significance on the broader MMA landscape remains to be determined.
