Zabit Magomedsharipov is officially returning to high-level competition after years away from the UFC. However, this is not an MMA comeback.The Zabit Magomedsharipov RAF return will take place on November 14 in Abu Dhabi. The former UFC featherweight has signed a multi-fight deal with Real American Freestyle and joins a card headlined by Khamzat Chimaev.
Zabit Magomedsharipov Signs Multi-Fight RAF Deal
Zabit Magomedsharipov 18-1-0 has signed with Real American Freestyle, according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto first reported the agreement on Monday.
MMA Junkie reported that the contract covers four RAF appearances. His promotional debut is scheduled for November 14 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The deal is important because it commits Magomedsharipov to more than a one-off appearance. Fans should now have several opportunities to see the former UFC standout compete again.
It does not signal a return to professional MMA. RAF uses a wrestling-based format, meaning Magomedsharipov remains retired from MMA unless he announces otherwise.
Giga Chikadze Set to Face Zabit in Abu Dhabi
Giga Chikadze 15-6-0 has been announced as Magomedsharipov’s opponent for the November 14 event. The matchup brings together two former UFC featherweights with very different striking backgrounds.
Magomedsharipov went unbeaten throughout his UFC run, while Chikadze once built a seven-fight UFC winning streak. Their meeting under RAF rules shifts the focus away from the striking skills that made both men recognizable inside the Octagon.
For Magomedsharipov, wrestling and grappling were always important parts of his MMA game. His background makes the rule change particularly interesting for his comeback.
Khamzat Chimaev Headlines the Same RAF Card
Khamzat Chimaev 15-1-0 is scheduled to headline the Abu Dhabi event against Colby Covington. Their matchup will take place for RAF’s cruiserweight championship.
Chimaev has also remained active outside the Octagon while his UFC future develops. His next MMA appearance remains uncertain, with the former champion continuing to pursue major opportunities.
The Abu Dhabi appearance adds another date to Chimaev’s schedule while questions continue around his next UFC fight.
Putting Chimaev and Magomedsharipov on the same card gives RAF two highly recognizable names with strong wrestling backgrounds.
Zabit Has Not Fought MMA Since 2019
Magomedsharipov’s last MMA fight came against Calvin Kattar in November 2019. He won by unanimous decision and finished his UFC career with a perfect 6-0 promotional record.
His professional career ended at 18 victories and only one defeat. That record helped make his sudden disappearance from the sport particularly frustrating for fans.
Magomedsharipov officially announced his retirement in 2022. Health problems and repeated difficulties securing fights contributed to his decision to leave MMA.
He later discussed pursuing medicine and other interests outside fighting. His unusual exit turned him into one of the most frequently discussed “what if” fighters of his generation.
Zabit Already Returned to Competition Earlier This Year
The November event will not technically mark Magomedsharipov’s first competitive appearance since 2019. He already returned to grappling earlier this year.
Magomedsharipov was originally scheduled to face Raul Rosas Jr. at ACBJJ 21 in July. An injury forced him out, delaying his long-awaited comeback.
That withdrawal continued an unfortunate pattern of canceled appearances surrounding his career. His grappling return was canceled because of injury before he finally competed again.
He eventually returned at ACBJJ 22 in August and defeated UFC featherweight Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision. That performance showed he was willing to compete again despite remaining retired from MMA.
Why Zabit’s RAF Signing Is Significant
Magomedsharipov left the UFC while still viewed as a potential championship-level featherweight. He had beaten Kattar, Jeremy Stephens and several other opponents without losing inside the promotion.
His combination of wrestling, submissions and unconventional striking made him one of the UFC’s most distinctive fighters. He also became part of the wave of elite competitors associated with Dagestan.
That background places him among the region’s most recognizable names despite his relatively short UFC career. Dagestan’s wrestling culture has helped produce numerous successful UFC fighters from the region.
RAF gives Magomedsharipov a format that suits one of the strongest areas of his game without requiring a full MMA comeback.
RAF Continues Adding Former UFC Names
Real American Freestyle has increasingly used established MMA fighters to build its events. The promotion recently featured several recognizable UFC veterans.
Its September event included Colby Covington and Belal Muhammad in a high-profile matchup. Covington’s victory became one of the biggest stories from the RAF 13 results.
The November card follows that approach. Chimaev, Covington, Magomedsharipov and Chikadze give the Abu Dhabi event significant crossover appeal for UFC fans.
Magomedsharipov’s multi-match agreement may be even more important long term. Unlike a single special appearance, the contract suggests RAF plans to feature him regularly.
Does This Mean Zabit Could Return to the UFC?
Nothing about the RAF agreement confirms an eventual UFC comeback. Magomedsharipov has not fought professional MMA for nearly seven years.
His recent grappling activity does show that he has rediscovered an interest in competition. Signing a multi-match agreement takes that commitment another step forward.
Still, wrestling competition differs significantly from preparing for a UFC fight. Magomedsharipov would need to make a separate decision about returning to MMA.
For now, the confirmed story is simpler. One of MMA’s most fascinating retired fighters is competing regularly again, just not inside the Octagon.
Final Thoughts
The Zabit Magomedsharipov RAF return gives combat sports fans something they once thought might never happen. The former UFC contender has signed a multi-fight agreement and will compete against Giga Chikadze on November 14.
Sharing the Abu Dhabi card with Khamzat Chimaev makes his RAF debut even bigger. It is not the UFC comeback many fans have wanted since 2019, but it puts Magomedsharipov back into meaningful competition and opens the door to several more appearances.
FAQs
When will Zabit Magomedsharipov compete next?
Magomedsharipov is scheduled to make his RAF debut on November 14, 2026, in Abu Dhabi.
Who will Zabit Magomedsharipov face?
He is scheduled to face fellow former UFC featherweight Giga Chikadze.
Is Zabit Magomedsharipov returning to MMA?
No MMA comeback has been announced. His new deal is with Real American Freestyle for wrestling-based competition.
When did Zabit last fight in the UFC?
His final UFC appearance came against Calvin Kattar in November 2019.
Who headlines the RAF Abu Dhabi event?
Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington are scheduled to meet in the headline cruiserweight title matchup.
