Once considered considered one of the most important prospects in the entire sport, Zabit Magomedsharipov entered the Octagon for the ultimate time on this present day in 2019.
Labelled an enormous threat to each Max Holloway and current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski during their respective title reign, the Russian stunningly hung up his gloves.
And riding a promotional perfect run spanning just six fights, Zabit Magomedsharipov was once considered the most important talent within the promotion, able to winning an Octagon crown.
Nevertheless, despite multiple rumors, Zabit has yet to ever make a return to combat amid health issues, despite a title promise from Dana White.
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Zabit Magomedsharipov’s last fight against Calvin Kattar
Booking a rare three-round headliner against then-contender Calvin Kattar on this present day six years ago, Zabit rode to a dominant unanimous decision win over the Boston mainstay.
Seemingly destined for greatness on the featherweight limit, Russian standout Zabit made relatively light work of Kattar over the course of three rounds, positioning himself for a title eliminator.
Failing to ever enter the cage with former interim champion Yair Rodriguez despite multiple attempts at booking the clash, Zabit suddenly retired from combat sports three years after his last win, citing health issues and a planned doctorate.
And for the ‘what if’ star, a title shot was guaranteed to him by long-time promotional boss White, who had failed in a minimum of 4 bids to persuade the uber-talented star to make a return to the UFC.
Zabit Magomedsharipov’s short yet dominant UFC run
Making his move to the UFC in 2017, Zabit had run roughshod under the ACB banner, scooping the inaugural featherweight title.
And scoring memorable wins over the likes of the above-mentioned Kattar in addition to Kyle Bochniak, Zabit even recorded a rare Suloev stretch submission win over Brandon Davis before battering Jeremy Stephens.
On the time of his removal from the rankings attributable to inactivity, Zabit held the number three rank at featherweight, on the cusp of an enormous title outing.