Abubakar Nurmagomedov is finally heading back to competition after a lengthy layoff. The cousin of legendary former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has a match booked. His comeback carries real emotional weight given who he will actually face. Fans are calling this matchup a genuine chance at long overdue revenge.
Abubakar Nurmagomedov Combat Sports Return Confirmed
Nurmagomedov 17-4-1Â will compete in a wrestling rematch against David Zawada this fall. Zawada submitted him via triangle choke back in November 2019 during his UFC debut. The two will now meet again under the AIGA grappling series banner in Turkey. Their rematch takes place at an eighty four kilogram weight limit in Istanbul.
That bout marks his first competitive appearance in exactly three years. Nurmagomedov last competed inside the Octagon before eventually parting ways with the promotion. His UFC tenure ended with a split decision loss to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. This new booking finally gives him a genuine path back to competition.
Key Details
Nurmagomedov finished his UFC run with an overall record of two wins and two losses. Between his two defeats, he picked up wins over Jared Gooden and Gadzhi Omargadzhiev. Those victories ensured he did not leave the promotion with a losing overall record. Still, his final appearance closed out a relatively quiet stretch inside the Octagon.
He attempted a comeback in 2025 through the newly formed Global Fight League instead. That promotion ultimately never staged a single event despite initial scheduling plans. Nurmagomedov’s booking with AIGA now offers a far more concrete path forward. This wrestling rematch represents his first genuine opportunity to compete since that setback.
What This Means
The rematch carries obvious emotional stakes given how their first meeting ended. A win here would offer Nurmagomedov a small measure of redemption after seven years. That narrative alone should generate real interest among longtime fans of the sport.
This booking also keeps Nurmagomedov’s name relevant within the broader Dagestani fighting community. His family connection to Khabib Nurmagomedov continues drawing attention regardless of his own current standing. Fans will watch closely to see whether this leads toward any future MMA opportunities.
A strong performance could help rebuild momentum after several difficult recent years. Wrestling success often serves as a stepping stone back toward mixed martial arts competition. That path has worked for other fighters looking to reestablish themselves after a layoff.
Background Context
Nurmagomedov first gained wider recognition during the chaotic aftermath of UFC 229. He was among those involved in the brawl following Khabib’s win over Conor McGregor. That moment introduced him to casual fans well before his own UFC debut arrived.
He remains part of a large extended family of accomplished Dagestani fighters. Multiple relatives continue competing at the sport’s highest levels across different promotions today. His upcoming rematch offers a chance to add a new chapter to that family legacy.
Conclusion
Abubakar Nurmagomedov’s combat sports return finally gives him a genuine path forward. His rematch against David Zawada carries real emotional weight after seven years. A strong showing could help reignite broader interest in his competitive career. Fans will watch closely when the two finally meet again in Istanbul.
