Former UFC star Zabit Magomedsharipov looks sharp in new training footage three years since his retirement from MMA.
After several dominant performances in the UFC Octagon, Zabit Magomedsharipov was on many fans’ radar as a potential future featherweight titleholder. In the prime of his career, Magomedsharipov retired, sending shockwaves throughout the UFC featherweight division.
Dream fights between Magomedsharipov and the likes of Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and other top featherweights were immediately put on the shelf after the dynamic striker’s retirement. His retirement came during a time when several fellow Dagestanis, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, were making names for themselves inside the cage.
Magomedsharipov explained he ‘didn’t feel the way he used to’ when explaining his decision to retire from MMA. But years after his stunning decision, he remains in great physical shape, as evidenced in recent training footage.
Zabit Magomedsharipov breaks silence with impressive training clip
In a recent Instagram post, Magomedsharipov shared new striking footage five years after his final UFC fight.
“Came to say hello,” Magomedsharipov posted.
Fans went ballistic in the comments as Magomedsharipov showed he still possesses incredible talent.
“Impressive kicks you should try MMA,” one fan responded.
“Why you tease us like this man….” another commented.
“When is the comeback?”
“Zabit we miss you in the Ring!!”
“Zabeast”
“Guys, we all want to see him back, but if it’s the man you respect and not the show he gave us in the ring, you will understand his view and just send him blessings no matter what he choses.”
“You can also say hello to the fights”
After departing MMA, Magomedsharipov embarked on a medical career pursuit in Makhachkala, which several top fighters including Islam Makhachev call home. He’s dismissed several calls for him to return to the Octagon amidst this new chapter of his life and career.
Zabit Magomedsharipov teases potential comeback in new footage
Magomedsharipov was scheduled to face Yair Rodriguez in a UFC main event bout in Aug. 2020 before Rodriguez withdrew due to an ankle injury. His last win came against Calvin Kattar in Nov. 2019 by unanimous decision.
During his UFC tenure, Magomedsharipov earned wins over Kyle Bochniak, Brandon Davis, and Jeremy Stephens inside the Octagon. Before signing with the UFC in 2017, Magomedsharipov earned the ACB featherweight championship and cemented himself as a top MMA prospect.
As of this writing, Magomedsharipov remains insistent on not returning to the Octagon anytime soon. But after this new training footage surfaced, calls for his return might ramp up.