Zabit Magomedsharipov made his return to professional competition after a seven-year absence, defeating Youssef Zalal by judges' decision in a grappling match at ACBJJ 22. Magomedsharipov expressed satisfaction with the victory, acknowledging Zalal as a strong and heavy opponent. He indicated plans to compete again within two to three months and pursue a title match at the event.
Zabit Magomedsharipov ended a seven-year absence from professional competition on August 30, 2026, defeating Youssef Zalal by judges' decision in a grappling match at ACBJJ 22.
Magomedsharipov, now 35, carries an 18-1-0 professional record and was once one of the most exciting fighters in the featherweight division. The Russian, who trains out of Ricardo Almeida Jiu-Jitsu, stands six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach and built his reputation on an aggressive, well-rounded game — averaging 4.89 significant strikes per minute in his MMA career alongside an impressive 5.22 takedowns per 15 minutes. His return to the mat at ACBJJ 22 marked the first time he competed at any professional level since 2019. After the win, Magomedsharipov acknowledged Zalal as a tough and physically imposing opponent and expressed satisfaction with the result.
Zalal, a 29-year-old featherweight ranked eighth in his division, enters the record books on the losing side of the bout. Fighting out of Factory X, the Morocco-born, United States-based competitor holds an 18-6-1 professional mark and brings a rangy, switch-stance style to his fights, with a 72-inch reach and a striking accuracy of 50 percent. He averages 2.17 takedowns per 15 minutes in MMA competition, making him a credible grappling challenge for any returning athlete.
Why it matters
- Magomedsharipov's return after seven years signals renewed competitive ambition from a fighter who was once a top featherweight contender
- He indicated plans to compete again within two to three months and expressed interest in pursuing a title at the ACBJJ event
- The grappling format provided a controlled re-entry point, but his stated timeline suggests a busy competitive stretch ahead
- Zalal's ranked status gave the contest immediate credibility as a measuring stick for Magomedsharipov's current form
