When Zabit Magomedsharipov was offered immediate title fight to make UFC return
Amid recent links to a stunning “comeback” to combat sports, Russian star, Zabit Magomedsharipov’s name is hitting the headlines once more this week — with fans reminiscing on the time the former turned down an immediate title fight to make a return to the UFC.
Magomedsharipov, a former top-contender in the promotion’s featherweight ranks, officially informed the UFC of his intention to retire back in 2019, despite enjoying an unbeaten run en route to talk of a title fight in the near future.
However, last fighting in a winning effort against Calvin Kattar back in 2019, Magomedsharipov was hit with an immune system illness, which would require potentially career-threatening surgery to address, ultimately forcing his hand into retirement.
Although this week, the Russian’s teammate hinted at an imminent return to combat sports for Magomedsharipov, posting footage of him shadowboxing in a boxing ring in his native Russia. Recently to boot, the featherweight striker had been reportedly weighing up a return to grappling and competitive wrestling competitions during his retirement from mixed martial arts.
Considered a shoo-in for a potential title fight against then-champion, Max Holloway during his pomp, Magomedsharipov was also considered highly by the promotion and its officials to boot.
Zabit Magomedsharipov turned down UFC title fight offer to make return
Notably, two years ago, reports detailed how Zabit Magomedsharipov had been offered an immediate title fight to snap his then-two year retirement from combat sports and return to the UFC. An offer which he is said to have shot down.
Making his Octagon bow back in 2017 at an event in The Netherlands, Magomedsharipov would go on to amass an impressive run of six consecutive victories — including decision triumphs over the above-mentioned Kattar, as well as incoming UFC Des Moines returnee, Jeremy Stephens.
