Magomedsharipov signed a multi-fight deal with Real American Freestyle, according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz. Former
Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight is scheduled to make his RAF debut on November 14 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Zabit Magomedsharipov will make his RAF debut on November 14 in Abu Dhabi
ESPN’s Brett Okamoto was the first to report the news.
“Zabit Magomedsharipov has signed a multi-fight deal with RAF and will make his Abu Dhabi debut on the 11/14 card (Ali Abdelaziz),” Okamoto posted on X.
Abdelaziz teased the signing shortly before the announcement.
“(RAF) just signed one of the most infamous fighters in UFC history, stay tuned,” wrote Abdelaziz Xs. “Big news is coming soon.”
Magomedsharipov was in the prime of his career when he last fought in the UFC in 2019. He officially retired from mixed martial arts in 2022, citing missed fights and health issues. He later pursued a career in medicine. Magomedsharipov is widely regarded as one of the most talented fighters of his generation and one of MMA’s greatest what-if fighters.
The 35-year-old had to return to competition in a fight Raul Rosas Jr. on July ACBJJ 21. However, Magomedsharipov was forced to withdraw due to an undisclosed injury. After nearly seven years in August, he finally returned to competition and defeated Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision in an ACBJJ 22 fight match.
Zabit Magomedsharipov has signed a multi-event contract with @RAFWrestlingUSA and will make his debut on the 11/14 card in Abu Dhabi according to @AliAbdelaziz00 .
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN)
October 6, 2026
@RAFWrestlingUSA just signed one of the most infamous fighters in UFC history, stay tuned. Big news coming soon @ChadBronstein @LancePalmer
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00)
October 5, 2026
