Zabit Magomedsharipov Will Return to MMA on November 14
The former UFC fighter signed a new multi-fight deal and will debut for Real American Freestyle this fall.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Zabit Magomedsharipov is set to end his retirement and return to professional competition after signing a multi-fight deal with Real American Freestyle. He will make his debut for the organization on November 14, 2026, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Why it matters
The return of Magomedsharipov marks a significant comeback for the former UFC fighter, who last competed in the Octagon in 2019 before officially announcing his retirement from the sport in 2022.
The 35-year-old fighter is returning to the cage following a 7-year hiatus from professional mixed martial arts. He recently competed in a grappling match in August 2026, where he defeated Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision.
The players
Zabit Magomedsharipov
He is a professional mixed martial artist who previously competed in the UFC and is known for his diverse striking and grappling skills.
Real American Freestyle
This is a professional mixed martial arts organization that has signed Magomedsharipov to a multi-fight promotional contract.
The details
Magomedsharipov recently re-entered the combat sports space by competing in grappling, following a withdrawal from a scheduled match against Raul Rosas Jr. in July 2026 due to an injury. His signing with Real American Freestyle formalizes his transition back into the professional fight circuit.
Timeline
Magomedsharipov last fought in the UFC in 2019.
The fighter announced his retirement from mixed martial arts in 2022.
He withdrew from a grappling match against Raul Rosas Jr. in July 2026.
Magomedsharipov defeated Youssef Zalal in a grappling match in August 2026.
He is scheduled to make his Real American Freestyle debut on November 14, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The return of a high-profile competitor like Magomedsharipov introduces significant volatility to the current MMA landscape and the division's competitive hierarchy. This move impacts the broader promotional battle for star talent and forces a re-evaluation of the current rankings.
Fans and analysts should monitor the upcoming November 14 card to see if Magomedsharipov maintains his previous form after a multi-year absence. His performance will dictate his future placement in divisional rankings and potential title-contention paths for the coming year.
The takeaway
Magomedsharipov's return highlights the enduring appeal of elite technical fighters in the modern MMA ecosystem. Practitioners of the sport should observe how his long-term layoff affects his tactical approach and physical conditioning during his comeback.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional fighting, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
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