Ali Akbar Rosady
Moscow, Russia – Zabit Magomedsharipov, the enigmatic former UFC featherweight contender, is set to make his highly anticipated return to competition on July 5, albeit under grappling rules. The Dagestani phenom will headline an upcoming ACBJJ event in Moscow, Russia, facing off against surging UFC bantamweight prospect Raul Rosas Jr. in a 155-pound no-gi grappling match. This marks Magomedsharipov’s first competitive appearance since his unexpected retirement from mixed martial arts in 2020.
The announcement has sent ripples of excitement through the combat sports community, offering a glimpse of the electrifying Dagestani fighter who captivated audiences with his unique, acrobatic style during his UFC tenure. For Raul Rosas Jr., the bout represents a significant opportunity to test his grappling pedigree against a high-profile, albeit retired, opponent and further elevate his burgeoning reputation.
Magomedsharipov, who retired from MMA at the age of 29 with an impressive professional record of 18 wins and only 1 loss, left behind a legacy of "what-ifs." His six-fight undefeated streak in the UFC’s competitive featherweight division included notable victories over seasoned veterans and rising stars alike. He debuted in the UFC in September 2017, quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite with his distinctive blend of Wushu Sanda striking, sophisticated wrestling, and opportunistic submissions. His signature flashy techniques, such as spinning kicks, capoeira-esque movements, and creative entries, often led to "Fight of the Night" or "Performance of the Night" bonuses.
Key victories during his UFC run included a submission win over Mike Santiago, a decision over Kyle Bochniak in a thrilling back-and-forth contest, and a dominant performance against Brandon Davis. His final two professional MMA bouts, both in 2019, saw him defeat former title challenger Jeremy Stephens and current top-ranked contender Calvin Kattar. The unanimous decision victory over Kattar at UFC Fight Night 163 in Moscow was particularly significant, widely regarded as a potential title eliminator and a showcase of Magomedsharipov’s ability to perform under pressure against elite competition.
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However, Magomedsharipov’s promising career was frequently hampered by a series of fight cancellations, most notably a repeatedly scheduled bout against Yair Rodriguez. The highly anticipated clash between two of the division’s most creative strikers was booked and cancelled multiple times, ultimately failing to materialize. Magomedsharipov publicly stated that these cancellations, coupled with the impression that the UFC "didn’t want to make me a champion," contributed significantly to his decision to step away from the sport. His retirement in 2020, at what many considered the peak of his athletic prime, left a void in the featherweight division and unanswered questions about his full potential. This grappling return now provides a new context for his competitive spirit.
His opponent, Raul Rosas Jr., stands in stark contrast as one of the UFC’s youngest and most talked-about talents. "El Nino Problema" made history by becoming the youngest fighter ever signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, earning his contract through Dana White’s Contender Series at just 17 years old in 2022. Operating in the notoriously deep and competitive bantamweight division, Rosas Jr. has quickly amassed a UFC record of 6 wins and 1 loss, demonstrating a submission-heavy approach that belies his youth.
Rosas Jr.’s professional MMA record currently stands at 9-1. After suffering his sole UFC defeat in April 2023 against Christian Rodriguez, he has since rattled off five consecutive victories, showcasing significant improvement and maturity in his performances. His most recent outing was a dominant unanimous decision win over veteran Rob Font in March, a victory that propelled him to the No. 13 spot in the official UFC bantamweight rankings. This win over a long-standing top-15 contender signaled Rosas Jr.’s readiness to challenge the division’s elite.
While primarily known for his aggressive grappling and relentless pursuit of submissions in MMA, Rosas Jr. is no stranger to pure grappling competition. He previously participated in a grappling match against former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in Brazil. That match concluded in a draw, with neither competitor able to secure a submission, highlighting Rosas Jr.’s resilience and technical proficiency against high-level grapplers. This experience will be crucial as he steps onto the mats against Magomedsharipov.
The ACBJJ event, hosted in Moscow, is known for featuring high-caliber grappling contests, often involving prominent MMA fighters. The main event status for Magomedsharipov vs. Rosas Jr. underscores the significance of this matchup for both the promotion and the athletes involved. The 155-pound no-gi format means both fighters will compete without the traditional kimono, emphasizing wrestling, positional control, and submission techniques that translate more directly to MMA. This format is expected to favor dynamic scrambles and explosive movements, aligning well with the athletic styles of both competitors.
For Magomedsharipov, this grappling match could serve multiple purposes. It offers a platform to satisfy his competitive drive without the full rigors and commitment of an MMA camp. It also allows him to re-engage with the combat sports world, potentially reigniting discussions about a full-fledged return to MMA, a prospect many fans have long hoped for. While no indication of an MMA comeback has been made, a strong performance could certainly fuel speculation.
For Rosas Jr., the opportunity to compete against a respected name like Magomedsharipov, even in a different discipline, presents invaluable experience. It allows him to refine his grappling skills against a fighter known for strong wrestling and Sambo, further developing his arsenal for future UFC challenges. It also provides a significant spotlight, allowing him to showcase his abilities to a broader audience, including those who may primarily follow grappling.
The co-headliner for the ACBJJ event will feature another UFC fighter, Rinat Fakhretdinov, a welterweight known for his strong grappling and powerful striking. Fakhretdinov is scheduled to face Armen Petrosyan, an experienced competitor in combat sports, further bolstering the event’s appeal to fans of high-level grappling and mixed martial arts.
Initial rumors had suggested Magomedsharipov might face UFC lightweight Dan Hooker at the event. While that matchup did not materialize, the eventual booking of Raul Rosas Jr. provides an equally compelling, if stylistically different, challenge. The shift from a potential striking-heavy matchup with Hooker to a grappling contest with Rosas Jr. underscores the unique nature of this return for Magomedsharipov. Given Magomedsharipov’s past history with fight cancellations, the successful execution of this event on July 5 remains a point of focus for the combat sports community, eager to witness the return of one of MMA’s most captivating figures.
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