It has been almost 6 years since we last saw Zabit Magomedsharipov dominate the UFC’s featherweight division. The Russian star never really had a chance to fight for the championship belt. He was just 31 years old when he decided that he was done with the world of mixed martial arts. The reason? Magomedsharipov revealed, “I had no fights for two years. Then there were injuries, I was sick a lot. I didn’t recover.” Not just that. He was also upset about not getting a title shot even after proving himself on so many occasions. But now, a sliver of hope has begun to shine with rumors of Magomedsharipov’s possible return to the MMA realm.

Not too long ago, Muskhab Kudiev, one of Magomedsharipov’s close friends, shared a video on Instagram. The visuals showed the featherweight star training, while the caption read, “His comeback.” Needless to say, the entire world has stayed in a state of heightened energy ever since the rumors of Magomedsharipov’s return began to flow on the internet. But who would the Russian fighter land against if the rumors actually turned out to be true? Let’s find out!

1. Rematch against Calvin Kattar

The last time we saw Magomedsharipov in action was against Calvin Kattar at UFC on ESPN+ 21, back in 2019. Magomedsharipov won the bout via a unanimous decision and even got the Fight of the Night bonus. The battle was a show of formidable skills indeed. After all, Kattar’s counters and punches are something that got him to the rankings. On the other hand, Magomedsharipov has a longer range, and his habit of using frequent kicks has caused Kattar quite a bit of problems in the past. And if the duo got into the Octagon once again, it would be nothing short of a battle of strikes. 

If you remember the last bout, Kattar was just beginning to gain momentum in the third and final round. So, a five-round bout as a co-main event would ensure that we get all the entertainment that the duo can provide. But we must also remember that Kattar has been on the road to betterment, while Magomedsharipov hasn’t fought since 2019. This would mean that defeating his former opponent once again would be a difficult job. 

Nevertheless, with the Russian’s spinning strikes and unpredictable attacks, Kattar would be left relying on his defenses. But this is not the only fight that the fighting realm dreams of. Magomedsharipov vs. Aljamain Sterling has also raised some eyebrows.

2. Electrifying bout against Aljamain Sterling

Sterling’s grappling-heavy techniques would definitely be a challenge to Magomedsharipov, who has often been praised for his creativity on the feet. The Russian featherweight’s unorthodox striking techniques have the potential to turn every fight into a theatrical experience for the fight fans. However, Zabit Magomedsharipov is also known to fade during the later rounds. But ‘Funkmaster’ has a formidable gas tank.

If things went to the ground and Sterling found his sweet space, Magomedsharipov can lose his air sooner than we can expect. Just to refresh your memory, Zabit’s main event bout against Kattar was a three-round bout at the demands of the Russian’s team. But the 34-year-old’s unpredictability would act as the X-factor needed to put an end to Sterling’s title hopes

3. Fated fight against Yair Rodriguez

Magomedsharipov was already slated to fight Yair Rodriguez back in 2020. However, Rodriguez suffered an ankle injury and the bout was canceled. But the two were in talks way before that. The UFC tried to put them together at UFC 228. But Rodriguez pulled out of the bout with an injury. UFC Boston 2019 also had Rodriguez vs. Magomedsharipov rooted in the schedule. And yet again, ‘El Pantera’ withdrew from the bout, citing a leg injury. 

Even after that, the Mexican believed that the fight had to happen. Back in 2021, he told Brett Okamoto, “I’m sure I’ll fight him at some point, no matter what. This is a fight that has to happen. I’m f—– dying to fight him with all the crap he’s talking about. His moment will come when it has to come.” Well, with his dynamic striking skills and resilient nature, Rodriguez would be the perfect opponent for Magomedsharipov if he ever returns to the UFC. After all, the fighting world has waited way too long for it to happen.

Who do you think Magomedsharipov should fight if he manages to return to the UFC? Do you think he can continue to extend his 14-fight win streak inhis rumored return? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.