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Zabit Magomedsharipov returns after 7 years, beats UFC featherweight

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Zabit Magomedsharipov returns after 7 years, beats UFC featherweight

Despite over half a decade out of competition, Zabit
Magomedsharipov is still as skilled as they come.

Magomedsharipov (18-1) returned to competition after seven years,
facing
Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight Youssef
Zalal in a grappling match at ACBJJ 22 at Ora Arena in
Istanbul, Turkey.

Zabit Magomedsharipov earns decision over Youssef Zalal at
ACBJJ 22

The Russian defeated Zalal via unanimous decision in a competitive
match. Zalal was clearly disappointed with the judges' verdict,
having finished strong against Magomedsharipov, who also had his
moments.

While Magomedsharipov was originally booked to grapple Raul Rosas
Jr. at ACBJJ 21 last month, he pulled out due to an injury.

Magomedsharipov remains one of the biggest what-ifs in mixed
martial arts history. He was a highly touted UFC featherweight,
known for his flashy striking and well-rounded game. However, he
never competed after a win over Calvin
Kattar in 2019. After a series of matchups falling through,
Magomedsharipov formally retired from MMA in 2022.

He addressed his retirement prior to his grappling match against
Zalal, claiming that he's content with his decision.

“I have no regrets about leaving the sport and not winning
anything,†Magomedsharipov told Red Corner MMA. “Of course, I
wanted to become UFC champion, but it fell through. They didn't let
me. They were stalling for time. They didn't let me fight.â€


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MMA

UFC contender Brendan Allen taps fellow middleweight with slick heel hook

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3 hours ago

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August 31, 2026

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UFC contender Brendan Allen taps fellow middleweight with slick heel hook
Brendan
Allen showcased his slick submission skills in a recent
grappling match.

Allen is among the top grapplers in mixed martial arts, further
cementing his standing as a dangerous submission threat in his
latest outing.

Brendan Allen submits UFC signing Magomedrasul Gasanov at ACBJJ
22

Allen (27-7) put his All-Stars title on the line in a grappling
match against Magomedrasul
Gasanov at ACBJJ 22 at Ora Arena in Istanbul, Turkey. While it
was an evenly matched affair, the
Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight locked in a slick
heel hook to force the tap just before the five-minute mark.

Allen had won the ACBJJ All-Stars title with a first-round
submission win over Ramazan
Kuramagomedov in July. “All In†is currently on a three-fight
winning streak in the UFC with two bonus-winning performances,
including wins over Marvin
Vettori, Reinier
de Ridder and Edmen
Shahbazyan.

Meanwhile, Gasanov (23-2) is a middleweight standout who signed
with the UFC earlier this year. While Gasanov was expected to make
his UFC debut in Abu Dhabi last month, he withdrew due to
undisclosed reasons.

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MMA

Carlos Prates confident he knocks out Islam Makhachev after getting ‘smashed’ early

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5 hours ago

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August 31, 2026

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Carlos Prates confident he knocks out Islam Makhachev after getting ‘smashed’ early

Carlos Prates likes his chances against UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, envisioning a clash similar to Anderson Silva's second championship victory over Chael Sonnen back in 2012.

Prates said in an interview with UFC veteran Gilbert Burns that he's currently in discussions with the promotion for a date to fight Makhachev, who defended his title against Ian Machado Garry earlier this month. Prates said “would be perfect†to headline UFC 335, which is scheduled for Dec. 12 in Las Vegas, but UFC officials told him said January in Australia is also a possibility.

Either way, the Brazilian knockout artist envisions himself having to dig deep to come out victorious against Makhachev like Silva did in the Sonnen rematch.

“You look at his fight with Chael Sonnen, Chael Sonnen got the mount in the first round. In the second, [Silva] went out there and knocked the guy out,†Prates said. “And that's what I think is going to happen. I think I'm going to start by getting smashed, and the first time I manage to get back to my feet and start hurting him, I'm going to knock him out somewhere around the fourth or fifth round.â€

Prates has only lost once in the UFC, dropping a decision to Garry in April 2025, and “became even more confident†for a future clash with Makhachev after seeing Garry's success in wrestling exchanges with the welterweight champion. Prates scored knockouts in every other fight he's had so far in the UFC, stopping former champions Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards in his most recent appearances.

“If he was able to get Makhachev off his back, I can do it too,†Prates said. “I became even more confident. Based on the things I saw and the amount of time we have to train, I was like, ‘Fuck, I think we can do this.' I already thought so, and now I saw Ian Garry defend certain positions the same way I do, like the back against the cage. I do that a lot.

“I saw someone saying that [Makhachev] made an adjustment because [Garry] is very tall and it's difficult for Makhachev to get his hooks in. And that defense he used, I do that every fight. I did it several times against Ian, but he would sit down and try to take my back. I already do everything standing so there's no danger of losing the position. I was like, ‘Man, I think this guy is going to be in trouble.' When I get my hands on him… I'm very confident that I'm going to bring that belt home.â€

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MMA

Islam Makhachev, Belal Muhammad rally around Umar Nurmagomedov after brutal KO

Published

5 hours ago

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August 31, 2026

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Islam Makhachev, Belal Muhammad rally around Umar Nurmagomedov after brutal KO
Several fighters have backed Umar
Nurmagomedov to rebound from his latest loss in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship, offering their support on
social media.

Nurmagomedov (20-2) was a massive favorite going into his
UFC Shanghai clash against Yadong Song
(24-9-1). Song sent the Chinese crowd into a frenzy by putting
Nurmagomedov to sleep with an uppercut in the second round, marking
the first time the Dagestani has been finished in his professional
career.

Islam
Makhachev and Belal
Muhammad, among others, have since posted messages of support
online.

Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad send messages of support to
Umar Nurmagomedov

Muhammad, who is close to Nurmagomedov and the entire Dagestani
team, has extended his support. “Remember the Name†expects
detractors to kick the Russian 135-pounder while he's down. The
former UFC welterweight champion says Nurmagomedov is among the
humblest fighters he knows and is certain he will bounce back
stronger.

“The thing I hate most about this result is knowing people will
attack Umar and kick him while he's down,†Muhammad wrote on X.
“He's genuinely one of the quietest, humblest fighters you'll ever
meet. Keep your head up, brother. This sport has the highest highs
and the lowest lows. You'll be back.â€

Makhachev also took to social media to address the result.

“We are happy with what has been decreed for us,†Makhachev posted
on Instagram alongside a picture of himself with Nurmagomedov.
“Alhamdulillah. There are many challenges on the way to the goal,
but I’m sure you can handle it, brother.â€


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