Few fighters in mixed martial arts history have carried the air of mystery and anticipation quite like Zabit Magomedsharipov. Once regarded as the UFC’s ultimate “what if” talent, the Dagestani featherweight built an aura around his unique striking, relentless pace, and creativity inside the cage. He walked away from the sport in 2020 on a remarkable 14-fight win streak, including six victories in the UFC, leaving fans wondering how far he could have gone if his career hadn’t been derailed by health issues.
Now, more than four years later, his long-time teammate and friend Magomed Magomedov has shed new light on the situation. While Magomedov firmly believes Zabit remains talented enough to dethrone reigning featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski with just six months of preparation, he also insists his friend’s competitive days are behind him.
Magomedov’s Candid Admission
Magomedov, a decorated bantamweight now competing in the PFL and preparing to face Sergio Pettis in Dubai next month, has shared years of training and personal time with Zabit. He was part of Zabit’s circle during the difficult period when the featherweight star chose to hang up his gloves.
Speaking exclusively with Bloody Elbow, Magomedov did not mince words:
“He’s finished,” Magomedov said in a rare use of English before his translator expanded on the point. “I think if he wanted to it would take him only half a year to get back in shape. But I don’t think he’s coming back, I think he’s done. I wish, but I just don’t see him coming back because it’s already been five years.”
It was an honest assessment from someone who knows Zabit as well as anyone in the sport. While fans continue to hold out hope, Magomedov emphasized that the decision lies solely with Zabit, and all signs point to the door being closed.
“He Could Beat Volkanovski, But He Won’t Return”
Even in retirement, Zabit’s name is often mentioned alongside the division’s elite. The Dagestani featherweight’s unorthodox style, blending Taekwondo, wrestling, and relentless pace, made him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the world. His most notable victory came against Calvin Kattar in 2019, where his dynamic striking earned him a unanimous decision win and a performance bonus.
According to Magomedov, that level has never diminished.
“He’s training, he’s in great shape and he can kill anybody. If he went back at featherweight, he would kill anybody; Alexander Volkanovski or anyone. But I just don’t think it’s going to happen,” Magomedov said.
That single statement encapsulates the heartbreak for MMA fans: the idea that one of the sport’s most gifted fighters still possesses the ability to conquer the best, yet chooses not to return.
The Tease of a Return
Part of what fuels speculation is Zabit himself. Despite retiring due to an autoimmune issue that prevented him from competing at 100 percent, he continues to share training clips that spark endless debate.
Just days ago, Zabit posted a video on Instagram where he worked the heavy bag, showing the same speed, fluidity, and precision that once made him the sport’s most hyped prospect. The caption read: “6 years have passed and the hands are still stretching.”
The video drew thousands of fan comments pleading for his return. His millions of followers continue to treat every upload like a sign that he may one day step back inside the octagon. But as Magomedov made clear, the likelihood of that actually happening remains slim.
The Enduring “What If” of MMA
Zabit’s career ended prematurely, yet he left behind a mystique few fighters ever achieve. He walked away undefeated in the UFC, with highlight-reel performances and an unmatched style that had fans believing he could dominate the featherweight division for years to come.
Health, however, proved an opponent even he could not overcome. His battle with autoimmune complications ultimately forced his retirement, a painful reality for a fighter who had only scratched the surface of his potential.
Still, Zabit’s name lives on as one of MMA’s great hypotheticals. Could he have beaten Max Holloway? Would he have dethroned Alexander Volkanovski? How long could he have reigned? These questions will never be answered, but they keep his legend alive in fan discussions, podcasts, and MMA forums worldwide.
Legacy Beyond the Cage
While the fighting career appears to be firmly in the rear-view mirror, Zabit’s influence continues to ripple throughout the sport. His time with teammates like Magomedov and his commitment to martial arts ensure that his knowledge and experience aren’t lost.
Moreover, his role as an enigmatic figure who walked away at his peak has secured him a unique place in UFC history. Unlike many fighters who extend their careers past their prime, Zabit stepped aside while still carrying an aura of invincibility. That choice—voluntary or not—cements his legacy as MMA’s biggest “what if.”
Conclusion
Zabit Magomedsharipov may never compete in the UFC again, but his name will forever be linked to an era of possibilities. His close friend Magomed Magomedov summed it up best: Zabit could still dominate the featherweight division with only six months of training, but he has chosen to remain retired.
As fans continue to cling to every training video he posts, the reality is clear: the book on Zabit’s career has already been written. Whether or not he ever decides to pick up the pen again, his legacy as one of MMA’s most fascinating and mysterious figures is secure.
