Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

UFC’s biggest what if hints at potential comeback years after leaving the Octagon undefeated

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow
By Christopher De Santiago | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 2:38 AM ET

Zabit Magomedsharipov might be missing the UFC.

It’s crazy to think that 2,000 days have passed since we last saw the former featherweight contender in action.

Russia’s Magomedsharipov was one of the UFC’s hottest prospects prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. A flashy striker with sneaky submission skills, Magomedsharipov brought a well-rounded game to the Octagon and went a perfect 6-0 against some of the best fighters in the world.

Ranked as high as #3 in the featherweight division, a 28-year-old Magomedsharipov didn’t continue his career after defeating Calvin Kattar in the three-round main event of UFC Moscow in 2019.

Years removed from his official retirement decision in 2022 and his final bout, Magomedsharipov gave his fans a little hope that he’ll be back fighting some day.

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Zabit Magomedsharipov could be teasing return with new video

This November will mark six years since Magomedsharipov’s last MMA fight.

Magomedsharipov still trains at 34 years old, leaving many to wonder if the 18-1 fighter has another solid UFC run in him.

On Thursday, Magomedsharipov reflected on the unexpected end to his near-perfect MMA career.

“6 years have passed but my hands are still reaching out,” Magomedsharipov wrote in Russian on Instagram.

Along with it, Magomedsharipov posted a video of himself punching the bag.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zabit (@zabit_magomedsharipov)

Is Magomedsharipov alluding to a return here? That’s what everybody wants to know, apparently.

‘Don’t give me hope’… Fans react to Zabit Magomedsharipov’s latest post

Some fans are absolutely convinced that Zabit is coming back. Others? Not so much.

Returning after six years of no competition would be insanely difficult to pull off, especially against someone ranked in the top 10 or 15 in the world.

“The most awaited comeback in MMA history,” a top comment read on the retired fighter’s Instagram.

“The ninja is coming back,” another fan said of the flashy Magomedsharipov.