Zabit Magomedsharipov was backed to be a future UFC champion, but he has announced his retirement from fighting having not competed for almost three years.
Magomedsharipov, 31, went unbeaten in six UFC fights after being signed to the promotion in 2017. The Russian, who finishes his career with a record of 18-1, had a diverse striking skillset with a talented grappling game.
He wowed the featherweight division and was ranked as high as No.3 at the weight class during his peak in the promotion. Over two-and-a-half years since his last fight, Magomedsharipov has announced his retirement from the sport. He cited fight disruptions and unspecific "health problems" as the reason to hang up his gloves.
"Assalamu alaikum friends! I know that many of you were waiting for my return, there was not a single day that someone did not ask when is my next fight was. But I decided to end my pro sports career," he wrote on Instagram.
"Disruptions of fights, and then health problems - all this did not allow me to perform/fight earlier. I have recovered now, but I don’t feel the way I used to. Thank you to everyone who has supported me for such a long time.
"I didn’t have time to become a champion, but I think, even without this, I hope I was able to please/entertain you I cease to be an active athlete, but I do not leave the sport. I have something and with whom to share my knowledge. So don’t say goodbye, friends!"
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Magomedsharipov joined the UFC as the ACB featherweight champion and scored back-to-back submission wins over Mike Santiago and Sheymon Moraes upon his arrival. He had a thrilling three-round fight with Kyle Bochniak at UFC 228, which he won by decision.
The Russian then pulled off a stunning suolev strecth submission in his next contest against Brendan Davis, outpointing UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens six months later. Magomedsharipov's last fight was a decision win over Calvin Kattar. He was scheduled to face Yair Rodriguez in August 2020, but the match-up was not rebooked after his rival withdrew due to injury.
