Zabit Magomedsharipov is set for another return to competition, this time against UFC featherweight contender Youssef Zalal in a grappling match. The former UFC standout will headline ACBJJ 22 against Zalal on Aug. 30 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Magomedsharipov Gets Another Grappling Opportunity
Magomedsharipov and Zalal will meet at 154 pounds in the main event. The matchup gives Magomedsharipov another chance to compete after his planned grappling bout with Raul Rosas Jr. fell through earlier this year. The Russian fighter withdrew from that event because of an undisclosed injury.
The appearance would have marked Magomedsharipov’s first competition since retiring from the UFC in 2020.
Zalal enters the matchup after suffering a decision loss to Aljamain Sterling in a UFC main event in April. The defeat ended his nine-fight unbeaten streak inside the Octagon. Five of those victories came by submission, making his grappling credentials particularly relevant for this matchup.
Belal Muhammad Also Joins the Card
Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will also compete at ACBJJ 22. Muhammad is scheduled to face former Oktagon champion Kerim Engizek in a 198-pound grappling contest.
The former UFC champion has struggled in MMA recently, losing his last three fights. His most recent defeat came against Gabriel Bonfim by decision. Muhammad did get back into the win column in wrestling, defeating former UFC welterweight champion Ben Askren at RAF.
Engizek brings his own combat sports pedigree into the matchup. He had built a 17-fight MMA winning streak before suffering consecutive title losses to Krzysztof Jotko in 2026. He also recorded three submission victories during that winning run.