Zabit Magomedsharipov signs with RAF, ending seven years away from the spotlight against Giga Chikadze in Abu Dhabi

Former UFC featherweight contender Zabit Magomedsharipov has signed a reported four-fight contract with Real American Freestyle. He will make his promotional debut against fellow UFC veteran Giga Chikadze on November 14 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The bout takes place on a card headlined by a crossover title match between Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev.

Magomedsharipov, who went 6-0 in the UFC before retiring in 2022 due to health issues, will compete under RAF's freestyle wrestling ruleset featuring no strikes or submissions. The 38-year-old Chikadze enters the wrestling match following a knockout loss to Joanderson Brito at UFC 331.