Zabit Magomedsharipov reportedly put on a ‘masterclass’ in a Dubai gym around the same time that reports of a UFC comeback were circulating online. The once number three-ranked featherweight in the world was forced into retirement after undergoing surgery on undisclosed health issues that ended up costing him his career.
It was just a few fights into his UFC career when Zabit Magomedsharipov showcased exactly why he was widely regarded as a future champion. When Zabit Magomedsharipov retired from the UFC in 2019, it came as a huge shock to the UFC fanbase, especially as he had just scored an impressive win over then-contender, Calvin Kattar.
Zabit Magomedsharipov will always be regarded as one of the biggest ‘what-if’ fighters in UFC history after shockingly deciding to retire at 28 years old.
Zabit Magomedsharipov is a name UFC fans haven’t heard in a while. The talented striker left things unfinished in the UFC, leaving the premier promotion with a perfect 6-0 record, thought to never return after his surprising retirement announcement in 2022.
Tomorrow night in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 102, we are going to see a featherweight matchup between two contenders heading in the opposite direction. Calvin Kattar (23-8) will look to get back on track as he takes on a contender who many have their eyes on this year in Youssef Zalal (16-5-1).
Zabit Magomedsharipov is undoubtedly the greatest what-if in the history of mixed martial arts, specifically in the UFC. The fighter left the sport in the prime of his career, as he was on his way to get the featherweight title opportunity.
Zabit Magomedsharipov walks away from the sport with an 18-1 record as a professional with his only loss coming in 2013.
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