Doo Ho Choi previously revealed he was offered a grappling match with Zabit Magomedsharipov, but ACBJJ has now booked the Russian against UFC prospect Raul Rosas Jr.
Earlier this month, we reported that former UFC featherweight contender Doo Ho Choi had been offered a grappling match against Zabit Magomedsharipov at ACBJJ’s July 5 event in Moscow.
The news originated from Choi himself, who revealed on his popular Superboy YouTube channel that discussions had taken place regarding a potential grappling match with the former UFC standout. The matchup generated significant interest among fans given the history of both athletes and Magomedsharipov’s long absence from active competition.
However, it now appears that the proposed bout will not move forward.
Following Choi’s comments, ACBJJ officially announced that Magomedsharipov will instead face UFC prospect Raul Rosas Jr. at ACBJJ 21, scheduled for July 5, 2026, at the V.A. Dynamo venue in Moscow, Russia.
The announcement effectively closes the door on what would have been a highly intriguing meeting between two former UFC featherweights whose careers followed very different paths after reaching the world’s premier MMA promotion.
Doo Ho Choi Revealed Earlier Offer
On his Superboy YouTube channel, Doo Ho Choi disclosed that he had been approached regarding a grappling match with Magomedsharipov.
The potential matchup immediately caught the attention of MMA fans, particularly because Magomedsharipov has rarely appeared in combat sports headlines since stepping away from professional MMA competition.
Multiple reports over the years have indicated that Magomedsharipov’s departure from active MMA competition was influenced by ongoing health concerns, including autoimmune-related issues and surgeries that impacted his ability to compete. Reports also cited frustrations regarding fight scheduling during his UFC tenure.
Despite leaving mixed martial arts competition, Magomedsharipov remains one of the most respected and technically gifted fighters of his generation. His creative striking style and dynamic grappling helped him compile a professional record of 18-1 and earn victories over notable opponents including Calvin Kattar, Jeremy Stephens, Brandon Davis, and Dan Ige.
A grappling match against Choi would have represented one of his highest-profile returns to competition in years.
Raul Rosas Jr. Receives the Opportunity
Instead, Magomedsharipov will now face Raul Rosas Jr., one of the UFC’s most recognizable young prospects.
Rosas enters the matchup coming off a modified-rules grappling contest against former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo under Hype FC in Brazil on April 8, 2026. That match ended in a draw and further demonstrated Rosas’ willingness to compete outside of traditional MMA competition.
Unlike Magomedsharipov, Rosas remains an active UFC athlete and is still considered one of the promotion’s most promising young talents.
The matchup creates an interesting contrast between a former UFC contender who stepped away from the sport and a rising prospect still attempting to establish himself among the organization’s elite.
ACBJJ 21 Card Details
The grappling contest between Magomedsharipov and Rosas Jr. will be contested under No-Gi rules at 70 kilograms.
The event’s co-main event is expected to feature Rinat Fakhretdinov against Armen Petrosyan in a 90-kilogram matchup.
ACBJJ 21 will take place on July 5, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM Moscow Standard Time.
For viewers in North America, the start time translates to:
- 10:00 AM ET
- 9:00 AM CT
- 8:00 AM PT
According to ACBJJ’s official fight announcement on social media, the event is expected to be streamed live through YouTube, X, and VK platforms.
What Comes Next for Doo Ho Choi?
While fans will not get to see Doo Ho Choi face Magomedsharipov in a grappling match this summer, Choi’s comments confirm that he remains interested in pursuing opportunities outside traditional MMA competition.
Whether another grappling matchup emerges remains to be seen, but the fact that Choi was involved in discussions for a high-profile event such as ACBJJ 21 suggests that the Korean fan favorite continues to explore new competitive opportunities while remaining active within combat sports.
For now, attention shifts to Moscow, where Magomedsharipov and Rosas Jr. will headline one of the most anticipated grappling matchups of the summer.
About The Author
