Latest news with #Zabit
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ali Abdelaziz opens up on why former UFC featherweight Zabit Magomedsharipov retired
One of the most talented UFC featherweights abruptly retired before making a title run. Zabit Magomedsharipov surprised many when he decided to walk away from MMA in 2022. He retired on a 14-fight winning streak, and on the cusp of title contention after a Fight of the Night win over Calvin Kattar in November 2019. So why did Magomedsharipov (18-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) hang up his gloves with so much promise? His manager Abdelaziz pointed to multiple failed bookings with Yair Rodriguez as the main reason. "No, he's not coming back," Abdelaziz said of Magomedsharipov on the "Pound 4 Pound" podcast. "Honestly, he got booked like three or four times with Yair Rodriguez. Yair Rodriguez kept pulling out on him, and he just lost love. I'm not going to blame anyone from the UFC. I could have, but I am not going to do it. "I think it was a little bit of the UFC's fault, and also maybe a little bit of my fault. I should never have made them book him again with Yair Rodriguez. This guy pulled out three, four times, right? In a way, I think Zabit fell off. He has a lot of businesses, married, and kids. He said, 'I don't need to do this.'" Magomedsharipov still trains and has been seen around his younger brother, Khasan Magomedsharipov (10-0), a 24-year-old undefeated professional MMA fighter, who was most recently seen in action in June 2024 when he defeated Tyler Mathison by unanimous decision at Bellator Champions Series: Dublin. "I'll tell you something: Zabit has a brother (Khasan) who I think is much better than Zabit," Abdelaziz said. "He fights in PFL. He's 24 years old. He's the same style as Zabit with a way better gas tank, with way better wrestling and grappling, and his striking, even better. I believe he can come to the UFC today and he's top five."
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Zabit Magomedsharipov back? Islam Makhachev seen training with retired UFC star before title fight
Photo byZabit Magomedsharipov teases UFC comeback as training footage surfaces Reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev isn't taking any time off as speculation swirls around his next title defense. Following his historic third title defense back in January, Islam Makhachev hasn't taken his foot off the gas—recently seen grinding through a tough training camp with none other than the long-absent Zabit Magomedsharipov by his side. The once-retired featherweight standout and fan favorite has resurfaced in a big way, fueling speculation about a potential UFC comeback . As the lightweight king gears up for what could be his next big test, it appears he's sharpening his tools with one of the sport's most missed Magomedsharipov, long considered one of the most gifted strikers in UFC history, quietly stepped away from the sport several years ago to pursue a career in medicine. But the Russian sensation has now reappeared—this time on the mats and in the ring, training with none other than Makhachev Islam prepares for a likely UFC 317 showdown against Ilia Topuria , despite claiming he's 'not interested' in that matchup yet, all eyes are also turning toward Zabit. The featherweight magician hasn't officially announced a return, but he's recently teased the idea, reigniting excitement among fight fans. Adding to the intrigue, UFC President Dana White had once promised Zabit an immediate title shot if he ever came back—a promise that may soon come has already drawn attention from at least one unranked contender eager to welcome him back, but should he return, the UFC is more likely to pair him with a top-ranked opponent. Among the most desired matchups is a long-awaited clash with Yair Rodriguez , a bout fans have clamored for over the years. If that doesn't materialize, a showdown with perennial featherweight contender Brian Ortega could also be on the Read: Josh Thomson wants Dana White to cut Bo Nickal: 'It was very telling how much work he needs' As Makhachev refines his ground game with Zabit's help and Zabit shows off his signature striking flair, the MMA world watches closely. Whether Makhachev's next move is Ilia Topuria or a jump to welterweight is still up in the air—but Zabit Magomedsharipov's presence signals something bigger could be brewing. If the forgotten star does make his return, it won't just be Makhachev making headlines.
