Retired MMA enigma Magomedsharipov returns after six years to face Rosas Jr. in Moscow grappling bout

Zabit Magomedsharipov, one of the most tantalising unfinished stories in MMA, is set to end a near-seven-year competitive absence when he faces Raul Rosas Jr. in a no-gi grappling match at ACBJJ 21 on July 5 in Moscow, Russia. The bout will be contested at 70 kg (154 pounds).

Magomedsharipov (18-1) left the sport at the peak of his powers, having gone 6-0 in the UFC and earned four performance bonuses along the way. His final MMA appearance came in October 2019, when he outpointed Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision in a bout awarded Fight of the Night honours. He announced his retirement in 2022, citing a desire to pursue a career in medicine — a decision that left fans and analysts wondering what he might have achieved at featherweight.

The matchup pits that unresolved legacy against one of the UFC’s most exciting young prospects. Rosas Jr., just 21 years old, arrives on a five-fight winning streak and is coming off the biggest victory of his career, a win over veteran Rob Font. The Californian has drawn widespread attention for his mature grappling game, making the stylistic contrast with Magomedsharipov — himself renowned for a fluid, well-rounded skill set — a compelling one on paper.

While the contest is a grappling match rather than a full MMA bout, it marks the first time Magomedsharipov has been booked for any competitive appearance since his retirement, and will inevitably fuel speculation about a potential return to the cage.