Returning Zabit calls out Rosas Jr. for grappling rematch after brother's submission loss

Zabit Magomedsharipov is targeting a grappling match against UFC bantamweight Raul Rosas Jr., months after an injury prevented him from competing against the 22-year-old at an ACBJJ event in Moscow in July. Rosas stepped in against Zabit’s brother Khasan on short notice and submitted him with a rear-naked choke in just over five minutes.

Zabit has since acknowledged Rosas’ credentials on the mat but attributed Khasan’s defeat partly to external factors. “Khasan was a bit jetlagged after a flight. I think the weight cut and everything affected him,” Zabit told Red Corner MMA. He added that while Rosas lacks raw athleticism, his technical precision — particularly his ability to take the back and attack the neck — makes him a genuinely dangerous opponent.

“He’s a good grappler. I can tell he is good at taking the back. It would be exciting to have a grappling match with him,” Zabit said. “I believe I’m stronger in terms of raw power. But in terms of pure skills, it would be an interesting matchup.”

Rosas’ stock in grappling circles has continued to rise. He recently submitted former UFC welterweight title challenger Colby Covington with a rear-naked choke at Hype FC — a result Zabit attributed to Covington’s complacency. “You can’t expose your back so easily,” he said.

For Zabit, the call-out comes during a broader return to competition after nearly seven years away from active fighting. The former UFC featherweight contender — once ranked among the division’s most exciting prospects — defeated Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision in a grappling match at ACBJJ in August. He has since signed a multi-match deal with Real American Freestyle and is scheduled to make his RAF debut against Giga Chikadze on November 14 in Abu Dhabi.

No date or venue has been confirmed for any potential meeting with Rosas.