Tag: Shara Magomedov

Shara Magomedov vs. Michael ‘Venom’ Page To Co-Headline UFC Saudi Arabia

The main event between Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov won’t be the only huge middleweight fight toward the top of the UFC Saudi Arabia lineup. The Octagon is set to touch down in Riyadh for the second time on Feb. 1, 2025. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the headliner between Adesanya and Imavov in a […]

The main event between Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov won’t be the only huge middleweight fight toward the top of the UFC Saudi Arabia lineup.

The Octagon is set to touch down in Riyadh for the second time on Feb. 1, 2025. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the headliner between Adesanya and Imavov in a social media video this week, alongside an intriguing co-main event that should excite striking fans.

After Red Corner MMA first reported that Shara Magomedov had agreed to meet welterweight contender Michael “Venom” Page in a clash between two of MMA’s most dangerous and exciting standup fighters, White officially announced the UFC Saudi Arabia matchup. Page previously expressed interest in this bout following Magomedov’s latest win, stating that he’d be happy to compete at middleweight.

This fight at UFC Saudi Arabia sees “MVP” move to 185 pounds after fighting twice inside the Octagon at welterweight. The former Bellator star has gone 1-1 since debuting in the UFC earlier this year. A decisive win over Kevin Holland in March was followed by a decision loss to Ian Garry at UFC 303, where the Irishman lent on his grappling ability to secure the victory.

Magomedov, meanwhile, has been incredible value for money since his arrival in the promotion last year, winning four in a row to obtain a top 15 ranking next to his name at 185 pounds. In his toughest test to date, “Bullet” secured his third consecutive Performance of the Night bonus by knocking out Armen Petrosyan with a double spinning backfist at UFC 308 last month.

With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at UFC Saudi Arabia are as follows:

  • Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov (middleweight main event)
  • Shara Magomedov vs. Michael Page (middleweight co-main event)
  • Ikram Aliskerov vs. Andre Muniz (middleweight)
  • Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik (heavyweight)
  • Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira (bantamweight)
  • Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Jamal Pogues (heavyweight)
  • Bogdan Grad vs. Lucas Alexander (featherweight)
  • Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Jordan Leavitt (lightweight)
  • Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Mayra Bueno Silva (women’s flywight)
  • Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Petersen (heavyweight)
  • Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli (featherweight)
  • Terrance McKinney vs. Damir Hadžovi? (lightweight)

Bo Nickal Insists He Could Beat Shara Magomedov In ’90 Seconds’

Bo Nickal radiates confidence, asserting he could handle Shara Magomedov with ease if they were ever to meet in the Octagon. Magomedov recently boosted his record to 4-0 in the Octagon and an impressive 15-0 overall, delivering a jaw-dropping double backfist knockout against Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308 last month. View this post on Instagram […]

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Bo Nickal radiates confidence, asserting he could handle Shara Magomedov with ease if they were ever to meet in the Octagon.

Magomedov recently boosted his record to 4-0 in the Octagon and an impressive 15-0 overall, delivering a jaw-dropping double backfist knockout against Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308 last month.

“Bullet’s” distinctive finish has certainly caught Nickal’s attention, yet he believes the undefeated Russian’s style would make for a straightforward challenge.

During a recent episode of the Nickals and Dimes podcast, Nickal exuded confidence in his abilities, stating he could effortlessly dominate Magomedov. Eager to make this matchup happen, he’s even willing to step into enemy territory for the showdown.

“I would like to fight him, but it’s not a tough fight, and I would have to go to Abu Dhabi,” Nickal said. “I would have to go to Saudi (Arabia), which – I would do it, but I think it’s not a tough fight. And also, the UFC probably doesn’t want that right now. Maybe they would. Maybe they don’t give a crap: go over to Saudi, make a quick check, 90 seconds, call it a day, fly back.”

“Bullet” has consistently appeared on Middle Eastern fight cards, as strict regulations from the American Athletic Commission prevent a one-eyed fighter from being cleared to compete in the United States.

Nickal is set to face Paul Craig in a middleweight clash at UFC 309, slated for Nov. 16 at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden. This highly anticipated bout will mark the wrestling sensation’s return to the Octagon following his impressive second-round submission victory over Cody Brundage at UFC 300 this past April.

Continue Reading Bo Nickal Insists He Could Beat Shara Magomedov In ’90 Seconds’ at MMA News.

Armen Petrosyan Doesn’t Consider Shara Magomedov’s ‘Lucky Punch’ At UFC 308 A Loss

UFC middleweight Armen Petrosyan believes Shara Magomedov was saved by an early stoppage in their clash this past weekend. Petrosyan was on the wrong end of one of the top highlights to come from Saturday’s UFC 308 pay-per-view in Abu Dhabi, where he opened the main card opposite a fellow striking specialist in Magomedov. The […]

Continue Reading Armen Petrosyan Doesn’t Consider Shara Magomedov’s ‘Lucky Punch’ At UFC 308 A Loss at MMA News.

UFC middleweight Armen Petrosyan believes Shara Magomedov was saved by an early stoppage in their clash this past weekend.

Petrosyan was on the wrong end of one of the top highlights to come from Saturday’s UFC 308 pay-per-view in Abu Dhabi, where he opened the main card opposite a fellow striking specialist in Magomedov.

The Armenian was looking to stall the undefeated Dagestani’s rise, and he looked in a good place to do so through a competitive opening round. But in the second, “Superman” fell victim to an innovative spinning backfist.

After being put down by the blow, Petrosyan quickly found the referee standing over him while “Bullet” vaulted the cage wall to celebrate.

Though there hasn’t been much discourse surrounding the stoppage, Petrosyan firmly believes it to have been egregious, going as far as to state that Magomedov was “gifted” the win at Etihad Arena.

“It was a lucky punch,” Petrosyan told Red Corner MMA. “I was conscious, I was still in control. I heard the coaches shouting that it was the end of the round with 30 seconds left, so I kept working. He caught me. I thought he would go for the finish but he apparently didn’t. So I looked up and saw the referee (waving the fight off). I didn’t understand what’s up. … I was speechless.

“I don’t consider it a loss. He got gifted a W. The win was simply gifted to him, that’s all. … I’ve gotten a billion messages by now (saying the same),” Petrosyan continued. “Shara can say whatever he wants now. … I saw in his eyes that he was lost. He couldn’t complete any of his actions. … He couldn’t do anything. I eliminated all of his moves. … Of course I would like to get an immediate rematch.”

It appears unlikely that Petrosyan will get his wish for a rematch, with Magomedov’s entry into the middleweight rankings this week seemingly paving the way for a more high-profile matchup for “Bullet” next time out.

If Magomedov gets his wish, that’ll be against former two-time champion Israel Adesanya. But having not received a positive response to that ambitious callout, the Dagestani may have to settle for “The Last Stylebender’s” friend, Michael “Venom” Page, instead.

Continue Reading Armen Petrosyan Doesn’t Consider Shara Magomedov’s ‘Lucky Punch’ At UFC 308 A Loss at MMA News.

Michael ‘Venom’ Page Offers To Fight Shara Magomedov: ‘Leave My Boy Izzy Alone!’

UFC welterweight contender Michael “Venom” Page is willing to move up in weight for a striking battle with Shara Magomedov. Magomedov was among the biggest winners to emerge from this past weekend’s UFC 308 pay-per-view in Abu Dhabi, where he opened the main card against a fellow striking specialist in Armen Petrosyan. After a competitive […]

Continue Reading Michael ‘Venom’ Page Offers To Fight Shara Magomedov: ‘Leave My Boy Izzy Alone!’ at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Michael “Venom” Page is willing to move up in weight for a striking battle with Shara Magomedov.

Magomedov was among the biggest winners to emerge from this past weekend’s UFC 308 pay-per-view in Abu Dhabi, where he opened the main card against a fellow striking specialist in Armen Petrosyan.

After a competitive first round, “Bullet” produced an incredible highlight in the second, unloading a spinning double backfist to drop his Armenian counterpart for the knockout win.

The result moved Magomedov to 4-0 in the UFC, marked his third win since June, and paved the way for entry into the middleweight rankings at #14.

In the aftermath, the Dagestani made his plans to keep climbing the ladder clear with an ambitious callout of former two-time champion Israel Adesanya. Having not received a positive response, though, he may need to search elsewhere for his next challenge.

He might not have to look far, however.

One notable name has thrown their name into the hat, with longtime 170-pounder “MVP” offering to share the cage with Magomedov up at 185 pounds.

“Magomedov — he just fought, did the double spinning back [fist] knockout and then he called out my boy Izzy,” Page told MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck. “Mate, I’m at that weight right now. You don’t even have to wait too long. That one there, I’ll just take straight away just for the fun of it.

“I’m in shape now, ready to go. So that’s a good fight for me, I think. Just a nice stand up fight for everybody, just to come back to the game,” Page continued. “And like I said, leave my boy Izzy alone. He’s trying to get back to the belt, to the throne, so I’ll take his place.”

Page has gone 1-1 in his debut year competing under the UFC banner. Following his Bellator departure, the Brit got off to a strong start inside the Octagon by outpointing Kevin Holland at UFC 299 in Miami this past March.

But his charge toward title contention was narrowly stalled by Ian Garry when they met at UFC 303 during June’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas.

While “Venom” is currently without an opponent for his UFC return, he is keeping busy with a grappling match opposite former interim UFC champion Carlos Condit at Polaris 30 in London this weekend.

Continue Reading Michael ‘Venom’ Page Offers To Fight Shara Magomedov: ‘Leave My Boy Izzy Alone!’ at MMA News.

Shara Magomedov Adds 3 Names To Hit List After Israel Adesanya Callout At UFC 308

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya isn’t the only prominent name Shara Magomedov has his eye on following this past weekend’s event. Magomedov made a splash in his latest Octagon outing on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. In his third fight since June, the Dagestani was tasked with opening the UFC 308 pay-per-view main card […]

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Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya isn’t the only prominent name Shara Magomedov has his eye on following this past weekend’s event.

Magomedov made a splash in his latest Octagon outing on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. In his third fight since June, the Dagestani was tasked with opening the UFC 308 pay-per-view main card opposite a fellow striking specialist in Armen Petrosyan.

Both men had their moments through a round and a half, but it was “Bullet” who closed the show in memorable fashion before the second horn. He connected with an innovative spinning backfist to send his Armenian counterpart to the canvas.

While the heights he can rise to on MMA’s biggest stage remain unclear given his perceived grappling deficiencies, Magomedov has broken into the rankings this week and appears to be an entertaining addition to the middleweight top 15.

During his post-fight press conference at UFC 308, Magomedov called his shot for an opportunity to climb further up the ladder, reiterating his desire to meet Adesanya next time out.

Whether or not that ambitious request comes to fruition in 2025 remains to be seen. But should the promotion have other plans for “The Last Stylebender,” Magomedov isn’t short on alternative callouts.

“I’m in no rush. I’m not running in front of the train. The only way for Israel Adesanya to avoid the fight with me is to retire,” Magomedov said. “Of course I would like to fight Israel to prove that I’m the best striker in the division. But also, I would like to fight Marvin Vettori to prove that my wrestling is good. Those two names really excite me.

“Besides them, guys like Kevin Holland, Michel Pereira,” Magomedov continued. “Our middleweight division is full of predators and sharks, but I’m the only pirate.”

Vettori, a former title challenger, hasn’t competed since a decision defeat to Jared Cannonier in a June 2023 main event. He’s gone 2-2 across his last four, leaving him at #7 in the rankings.

Holland and Pereira, meanwhile, are coming off more recent setbacks, with “Trailblazer” injuring his rib against Roman Dolidze in Salt Lake City earlier this month and “Demolidor” suffering a convincing headline loss to Anthony Hernandez at the Apex on Oct. 19.

Be it against one of those names or a different middleweight entirely, all eyes will no doubt be on Magomedov’s next walk to the cage given the performance he put in at the Etihad Arena this past weekend.

Continue Reading Shara Magomedov Adds 3 Names To Hit List After Israel Adesanya Callout At UFC 308 at MMA News.

‘Coolest F**king Dagestani’ – Fans React As Shara Magomedov Lands Crazy Double Spinning Backfist KO At UFC 308

In what may have been a historic finish, Shara Magomedov landed a double spinning backfist en route to scoring a finish of Armen Petrosyan to kick off the main card for UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. Magomedov actually found himself in trouble early on, as Petrosyan landed a number of rocking blows that hurt the […]

Continue Reading ‘Coolest F**king Dagestani’ – Fans React As Shara Magomedov Lands Crazy Double Spinning Backfist KO At UFC 308 at MMA News.

In what may have been a historic finish, Shara Magomedov landed a double spinning backfist en route to scoring a finish of Armen Petrosyan to kick off the main card for UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.

Magomedov actually found himself in trouble early on, as Petrosyan landed a number of rocking blows that hurt the Dagestani in the opening round. “Bullet,” however, managed to battle back and land several low kicks as he took control of the fight.

In the closing seconds of the second round, Magomedov managed to land a short spinning backfist before spinning right back around and landing another with the opposite hand, dropping Petrosyan to the mat for a walk-off TKO.

Shara Magomedov Pulls Off Highlight Double Spinning Backfist Finish At UFC 308

Magomedov is now 4-0 in the UFC and is unbeaten in MMA at 15-0. The Russian already defeated Antonio Trócoli and Micha? Oleksiejczuk this past summer.

Petrosyan, meanwhile, has now lost two straight fights and three of his last five.

Continue Reading ‘Coolest F**king Dagestani’ – Fans React As Shara Magomedov Lands Crazy Double Spinning Backfist KO At UFC 308 at MMA News.