Shara Magomedov vs. Michael Page squared off in a Middleweight contest earlier tonight (Sat., Feb. 1, 2025) at UFC Saudi Arabia inside anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In a quality kickboxing match, Page earned the victory.
Page came out and took the center right away, feinting Magomedov backwards. “Bullet” answered with a trio of low kick connections. Page landed a solid right hand and shoved Magomedov over for his first connection of the fight at about the two minute mark. Then … he attempted a double leg takedown? Surprising, but Magomedov denied the shot without much issue.
“MVP” seemed to have his foe’s timing by the midway point of the first, avoiding low kicks and landing a few of his own. He landed another leaping right a minute later. Magomedov landed another low kick, but he took a spinning back right on the chin as the first round came to a close!
That tricky Page right hand found its mark to start the second. Another right seemed to stumble “The Pirate.” Magomedov really couldn’t land anything outside of his low kick, which still wasn’t finding the mark all that often. Jumping two-touch spin kick from Page glances off the target. Page timed another overhand beautifully on his advancing opponent, then he backed Magomedov off with a jump knee. Page did well with his jab too, taking it up and down the body on occasion. Leaping elbow partially connected for “MVP,” then he clinched up to avoid any return fire.
It wasn’t high-volume, but the best connections clearly belonged to the English fighter.
Page snapped Magomedov’s head back with a crisp jab early in the third. The Russian fighter stayed aggressive, trying to pressure more and get his offense going. Still, it was mostly low kicks that landed. Hard counter right hand found the mark for “MVP” yet again then a slip-and-rip left hook scored as well. Jump knee connection for Page! The Bellator veteran was utterly relaxed in the cage, seeing everything coming and picking his moments well. Magomedov moved into the clinch and landed some good knees to the body in response. Back at distance, Magomedov flurried into a nice combination — his best land of the fight? Page answered with a counter left hook and some movement, looking a little tired. He still managed to land a big upkick and threaten a triangle choke when his rolling thunder kick didn’t quite work out near the final bell.
After 15 minutes, all three judges sided with Page. “MVP” didn’t land crazy numbers, but he definitely scored the hardest shots and utterly prevented Magomedov from getting his own volume going. The “Bullet” landing percentage was truly abysmal, especially if you look at his attempts to land punches upstairs.
Page fights are always interesting. Even when they’re fairly low-volume, that tension exists the whole time, and it’s fun to watch such a different striking master in his element.
Result: Page defeats Magomedov via unanimous decision
For complete UFC Saudi Arabia results and play-by-play, click here.