Zabit Magomedsharipov is set to return to competition on July 5 in Moscow, where he will face Dan Hooker in a grappling match under the ACBJJ banner. Ahead of his comeback, the former UFC contender sat down with ACBJJ to discuss his preparation, his history with jiu-jitsu, and why he believes gi training still has an important place in modern grappling.
Reflecting on how much jiu-jitsu he actually trained during his MMA career, Zabit explained that it was a consistent but limited part of his routine.
“When I was in America, we trained jiu-jitsu twice a week consistently. We had a great coach, Ricardo, who is highly respected there. We worked with him regularly and focused on getting stronger.”
Although he spent years competing at the highest level in MMA, Zabit admitted that his experience training in the gi was minimal.
“I also tried wrestling in a gi once,” he recalled. “My fingers hurt really badly.”
Even so, he believes gi training offers clear benefits, particularly when it comes to grip strength and technical development.
“Gi is good,” Zabit said. “This is to ensure a good grip and to shape your fingers. Once you take off your gi, it becomes much easier without it.”
Despite his appreciation for the benefits of gi training, Zabit revealed that his own gi has spent years sitting untouched at home.
“I have a gi at home that I probably need to take out. It’s been sitting there for seven years. I think I’ve only put it on once.”
With his July 5 match approaching, however, that may finally change. Zabit suggested he plans to dust off the gi and incorporate it into his preparations.
“I think it’s time to dig out the gi and start training in it again. It’ll probably make things feel easier when I switch back to no-gi.”
When asked whether he had concrete plans to follow through with that idea, his answer was immediate.
“Of course there is,” Zabit said. “Yes, I still have 2-3 months, so I’ll make it.”
For now, though, his focus remains on rebuilding his physical condition before ramping up his grappling-specific training.
“Right now, I just need to get back into shape and get my body moving again. After that, I’ll be able to start training at full intensity.”
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