Zabit Magomedsharipov to Face Raul Rosas Jr. in Moscow Grappling Bout

Former UFCCompetition·UFC featherweight contender Zabit MagomedsharipovPlayer·Zabit Magomedsharipov is set to make his highly anticipated return to competitive action on July 5, headlining an ACBJJCompetition·ACBJJ gala in MoscowVenue·Moscow, Russia. The 35-year-old will compete in a no-gi grappling match at 70 kg (155 pounds) against the promising Raul Rosas Jr.Player·Raul Rosas Jr.

Magomedsharipov's return marks his first competitive appearance since his retirement from mixed martial arts in 2022. His last professional MMA bout took place in November 2019. His departure from the sport was attributed to persistent health issues affecting his immune system, which necessitated surgery, alongside reported frustrations with his career trajectory within the UFCCompetition·UFC. Magomedsharipov previously stated that his decision to leave MMA was influenced by a series of cancelled bouts and a perception that the UFCCompetition·UFC was not committed to making him a champion. He concluded his MMA career with an impressive professional record of 18-1, including six consecutive victories in the UFCCompetition·UFC, notably defeating Jeremy StephensPlayer·Jeremy Stephens and Calvin KattarPlayer·Calvin Kattar in his final two contests.

His opponent, Raul Rosas Jr.Player·Raul Rosas Jr., is a formidable talent at just 20 years old. Currently ranked No. 13 in the UFCCompetition·UFC's bantamweight division, Rosas Jr. holds a 6-1 record within the organization. He enters this grappling contest on a strong run, having secured five consecutive victories since 2023, including a decision win over Rob FontPlayer·Rob Font in March. Rosas Jr. also possesses prior grappling experience, having competed in a match against Deiveson FigueiredoPlayer·Deiveson Figueiredo in Brazil that concluded in a draw, as neither competitor achieved a submission.

Initial speculation suggested Magomedsharipov would face Dan HookerPlayer·Dan Hooker, but Rosas Jr. was ultimately confirmed as his opponent for the MoscowVenue·Moscow event. The ACBJJCompetition·ACBJJ gala will also feature a notable co-main event, pitting UFCCompetition·UFC welterweight Rinat FakhretdinovPlayer·Rinat Fakhretdinov against Armen PetrosyanPlayer·Armen Petrosyan.

Magomedsharipov has expressed a growing preference for grappling over striking, viewing his return as a personal statement rather than a pursuit of world titles. This event offers a unique opportunity to witness a former elite MMA talent test his skills in a specialized combat discipline against one of the sport's emerging stars.