Ali Akbar Rosady
Zabit Magomedsharipov, the enigmatic former UFC featherweight contender, is set to make his highly anticipated return to competitive action, albeit in the grappling arena, headlining ACBJJ 22 in Istanbul, Turkey, on August 30. Magomedsharipov, who retired from mixed martial arts in 2020 while ranked among the top featherweights in the world, will face current UFC featherweight Youssef Zalal in a 154-pound grappling contest. The event, hosted by Absolute Championship Berkut Jiu-Jitsu (ACBJJ), also features another significant bout with former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad taking on former Oktagon titleholder Kerim Engizek in a 198-pound grappling match.
Magomedsharipov’s return has been a subject of considerable speculation since his departure from the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The Dagestani phenom, known for his unique and unpredictable striking, intricate Sambo background, and impressive wrestling, captivated audiences during his six-fight undefeated run in the UFC. His tenure included notable victories over fighters like Brandon Davis, Jeremy Stephens, and most significantly, a thrilling unanimous decision win over Calvin Kattar at UFC Fight Night 163 in November 2019, a bout widely considered one of the best of that year. This victory propelled him into the top echelon of the featherweight division, positioning him as a strong contender for a title shot.
However, despite his meteoric rise and immense potential, Magomedsharipov announced his retirement from MMA in 2020, citing health issues and a desire to pursue a career in medicine. His departure left a void in the featherweight landscape and a lingering question mark over what might have been. The announcement of his participation in ACBJJ 22 marks his first scheduled competitive appearance since his retirement. An earlier planned grappling contest against promising young fighter Raul Rosas Jr. in July was unfortunately cancelled due to an undisclosed injury sustained by Magomedsharipov, further fueling anticipation for this confirmed bout. Fans and pundits alike will be keen to observe how Magomedsharipov’s elite Sambo and wrestling pedigree translates into a pure grappling environment, particularly against a seasoned submission artist like Zalal.
Youssef Zalal, Magomedsharipov’s opponent, brings a strong submission game and recent UFC experience to the mat. Zalal, a Moroccan-American fighter, has established himself as a durable and opportunistic competitor in the UFC’s featherweight division. Prior to his most recent outing, Zalal had compiled an impressive nine-fight unbeaten streak within the octagon, showcasing his well-rounded skills. A significant portion of this streak, five victories to be precise, came by way of submission, underscoring his proficiency in grappling exchanges. His aggressive style and ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes on the ground make him a formidable challenge in a grappling-only format. Zalal’s last professional appearance was a high-stakes main event against former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling in April, a bout that saw his unbeaten streak snapped. This grappling match against a high-profile name like Magomedsharipov offers Zalal an immediate opportunity to rebound and make a statement on a significant stage outside of traditional MMA. The 154-pound catchweight for this contest is likely to test both fighters, potentially favoring neither in terms of natural weight, and adding another layer of intrigue to the main event.
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The co-main event promises another compelling matchup, featuring one of the UFC’s most prominent welterweights, Belal Muhammad, against Germany’s Kerim Engizek. Belal Muhammad, known affectionately as "Remember the Name," has carved out a reputation as a relentless pressure fighter with exceptional wrestling and conditioning. While primarily recognized for his striking and decision victories, Muhammad’s grappling base has been a cornerstone of his success in the UFC’s highly competitive welterweight division. However, the provided records indicate a challenging recent period for Muhammad. The report states that he recently lost his most recent UFC bout, dropping a decision to Gabriel Bonfim, which placed him on an unusual three-fight skid. This grappling contest offers a different kind of challenge and a chance for Muhammad to re-establish momentum in a specialized combat sport discipline. He is not entirely new to the pure grappling scene, having previously secured a notable victory in a wrestling match against former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder Ben Askren under the RAF banner, demonstrating his adaptability and skill in non-MMA grappling formats.
His opponent, Kerim Engizek, is a seasoned veteran of the European MMA circuit, particularly known for his tenure as an Oktagon titleholder. Engizek had built an impressive professional record, riding a remarkable 17-fight winning streak in MMA before experiencing a recent downturn. During his ascent, he demonstrated significant finishing ability, stopping three opponents via submission, which highlights his own grappling acumen. However, his momentum was reportedly halted by back-to-back title losses to Krzysztof Jotko in 2026, marking a challenging period in his career. Facing a top-tier UFC contender like Belal Muhammad in a grappling match at 198 pounds presents a unique opportunity for Engizek to prove his mettle against elite competition and potentially reignite his career trajectory. The weight class will be a factor, with both fighters stepping into a heavier category than their usual MMA divisions, suggesting a powerful and physically demanding encounter.
ACBJJ has consistently delivered high-quality grappling events, bringing together top talents from various combat sports disciplines. The promotion’s commitment to showcasing elite grappling has made it a respected platform for fighters to test their skills in a pure submission wrestling environment. Staging ACBJJ 22 in Istanbul, Turkey, a city with a rich history of combat sports and a passionate fanbase, adds to the grandeur of the event. The card is meticulously curated to deliver high-octane grappling action, with the two main attractions promising technical brilliance and competitive intensity.
The return of Zabit Magomedsharipov, even in a grappling format, is a significant event for combat sports enthusiasts globally. His unique skillset and the mystery surrounding his post-UFC career have kept him in the public consciousness. This match against Youssef Zalal, combined with the Belal Muhammad versus Kerim Engizek showdown, positions ACBJJ 22 as a must-watch event for fans eager to witness high-level grappling and the competitive spirit of these renowned fighters on August 30.
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