Injury forces Zabit Magomedsharipov out of first comeback bout since 2019 retirement

Zabit Magomedsharipov’s comeback from a five-year absence has been derailed before it began, with the former UFC featherweight contender withdrawing from his scheduled grappling match against Raul Rosas Jr. at ACBJJ 21 on July 5 in Moscow, Russia, due to injury.

Magomedsharipov had been set to compete for the first time since defeating Calvin Kattar in October 2019 — a result that left him unbeaten in six UFC outings with a professional record of 18-1. The ACBJJ 21 appearance was to have marked his first step back into competition after he retired in 2020, citing a combination of stalled matchmaking, persistent health problems, and a desire to pursue a career in medicine.

Stepping in on short notice is his brother, Khasan Magomedsharipov, a Professional Fighters League featherweight who enters the bout on the back of a first-round submission victory at PFL San Diego just one week prior. The 11-0 Khasan will face Rosas Jr. (12-1) in Zabit’s place.

The withdrawal is a significant blow for fans who had followed Zabit’s tentative steps toward a return. Widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted fighters of his generation, the Russian’s combination of dynamic striking and elite grappling made him a must-watch presence during his UFC tenure, yet he never competed for a title before stepping away from the sport.

No timeline for Zabit’s recovery or any rescheduled appearance has been announced.