Zabit Magomedsharipov dominated the featherweight division back when he was under contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. During that time, he claimed victory in all 6 of his fights. He even had the chance to fight for the belt. But alas! That was when he had to hang his gloves for good.

Magomedsharipov had all the potential required for a fighter to become a champ. But after a 2-year-long hiatus, he called it quits. Following his retirement in 2022, Dana White has made numerous offers to the Dagestani phenom. However, ‘ZaBeast’ is just not ready to step back into the Octagon.

Zabit Magomedsharipov refuses Dana White’s offer to come back to the UFC

On the 1st day of August 2024, Magomedsharipov was interviewed by the ‘Red Corner MMA’. During the chat, the interviewer asked the 18-1 contender if the UFC has ever tried to reach out to him for a comeback. Magomedsharipov revealed that the MMA promotion indeed asked for a meeting in the US. However, he couldn’t make any promises and opted out of the meeting. 

But does Magomedsharipov ever think of coming back to the world of mixed martial arts? He does indulge in intensive training regimes and thinks about fighting. Howbeit, training is all that he wants to do. He declared that he has no desire to get inside an MMA cage and compete for the championship belt. 

This declaration made the fight fans believe that the Dagestani fighter might want more money from the UFC. To everyone’s surprise, that wasn’t the case, as well. When he was asked if it was a matter of finance, Magomedsharipov replied, “No, it’s not. They promised me a lot of things, but that’s not the point. I simply made up my mind. I don’t want to prove anything to anybody, come back, go through training camps… I have no desire to return. And it’s not about money. Whatever they offer me, I don’t think I will ever come back.”

After Magomedshirapov announced his retirement, the question that boggled the fight fans’ minds was why did he do so. He was right next to a title shot but he decided to step down. 

Why did the Dagestani announce retirement?

Magomedsharipov took to Instagram and revealed that he had ended his career in professional sports. The reason? It all pointed towards health problems. In the extensive letter to the fans on Instagram, Magomedsharipov wrote, “Disruptions of fights, and then health problems – all this did not allow me to perform/fight earlier. I have recovered now, but I don’t feel the way I used to.”

The undefeated ex-UFC fighter hoped that he entertained the MMA realm in the best possible way. He wasn’t oblivious to the fact that he didn’t have enough time to become a featherweight champion. However, Magomedsharipov didn’t leave the world of mixed martial arts and promised to be present for those who needed help with his knowledge.

Do you wish to see Magomedsharipov back in action and competing for the featherweight championship title? Let us know what you think of his retirement and plans to stay out of the Octagon in the comments down below.