Shara Magomedov
Bullet
Russia
Gets right back in win column
Magomedov defeated Marc-Andre Barriault via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
ANALYSIS
Coming off his first UFC defeat against Michael Page in February, the company gave Magomedov a prime bounce-back spot here against Barriault. Although he had to work for it, Shara took advantage of the opportunity. Entering as a -650 favorite, largest on the entire card, Magomedov remained aggressive on the feet throughout. He closed with a 93-39 edge in significant strikes landed, but the bout felt nowhere near that lopsided when it was ongoing. In fact, it would go on to win both men a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus. Shara has big power and underrated cardio. His main issue is his stand-up defense. He seems likely to be inconsistent moving forward if the UFC continues to match him up against higher-end competition.
Coming off his first UFC defeat against Michael Page in February, the company gave Magomedov a prime bounce-back spot here against Barriault. Although he had to work for it, Shara took advantage of the opportunity. Entering as a -650 favorite, largest on the entire card, Magomedov remained aggressive on the feet throughout. He closed with a 93-39 edge in significant strikes landed, but the bout felt nowhere near that lopsided when it was ongoing. In fact, it would go on to win both men a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus. Shara has big power and underrated cardio. His main issue is his stand-up defense. He seems likely to be inconsistent moving forward if the UFC continues to match him up against higher-end competition.
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Aiming to bounce back vs. Barriault
Magomedov will face Marc-Andre Barriault at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Magomedov suffered the first loss of his UFC career the last time out when he lost to Michael Page via unanimous decision in Riyadh on Feb. 1. Even more critical than the loss was the fact that Magomedov was routed by a 37-year-old who moved up a weight class just for that fight. Shara clearly has some talent, but his best UFC victory is over Armen Petrosyan, so it's unclear if he'll have a shot against Barriault here.
Magomedov suffered the first loss of his UFC career the last time out when he lost to Michael Page via unanimous decision in Riyadh on Feb. 1. Even more critical than the loss was the fact that Magomedov was routed by a 37-year-old who moved up a weight class just for that fight. Shara clearly has some talent, but his best UFC victory is over Armen Petrosyan, so it's unclear if he'll have a shot against Barriault here.
Suffers first UFC defeat
Magomedov lost to Michael Page via unanimous decision (27-30, 27-30, 28-29) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
ANALYSIS
That will put an end to the hype train in overwhelming fashion. Entering with wins in each of his first four UFC bouts, including a pair of knockouts, Magomedov appeared confused and hesitant against a veteran opponent that is notoriously difficult to game plan for. Shara tried to remain aggressive and make things ugly, but Page managed to masterfully and repeatedly slide out of the way. Magomedov is going to struggle if he isn't able to drag his opponent into a brawl, and MVP made sure that didn't happen on this day. Shara clearly has some talent, but his best UFC victory is over Armen Petrosyan. Getting routed here by the 37-year-old Page, who moved up a weight class to make this fight happen, is a bad look.
That will put an end to the hype train in overwhelming fashion. Entering with wins in each of his first four UFC bouts, including a pair of knockouts, Magomedov appeared confused and hesitant against a veteran opponent that is notoriously difficult to game plan for. Shara tried to remain aggressive and make things ugly, but Page managed to masterfully and repeatedly slide out of the way. Magomedov is going to struggle if he isn't able to drag his opponent into a brawl, and MVP made sure that didn't happen on this day. Shara clearly has some talent, but his best UFC victory is over Armen Petrosyan. Getting routed here by the 37-year-old Page, who moved up a weight class to make this fight happen, is a bad look.
Booked against Page
Magomedov will fight Michael Page at UFC Saudi Arabia on Feb. 1, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Magomedov took down Armen Petrosyan in October to preserve his perfect 15-0 record (4-0 in UFC), and he'll now look to extend his winning streak against Page, who has less experience in the promotion and is coming off a loss to Ian Garry in his most recent bout.
Magomedov took down Armen Petrosyan in October to preserve his perfect 15-0 record (4-0 in UFC), and he'll now look to extend his winning streak against Page, who has less experience in the promotion and is coming off a loss to Ian Garry in his most recent bout.
Continues perfect UFC run
Magomedov defeated Armen Petrosyan via TKO (spinning back fists) at 4:52 of Round 2 at UFC 308 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
ANALYSIS
Get that $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus ready (later confirmed by Dana White). This was one of the most creative finishes you will ever see. Magomedov was likely on his way to being up two rounds at the time of the stoppage, but the fight was competitive. He took it out of the judges hands completely late in the second frame by connecting with back-to-back spinning back fists, one with each hand. Petrosyan dropped like a sack of potatoes and immediately knew he could no longer continue. Shara has looked great thus far with the UFC and is undefeated through four fights with the company, but the real test is going to come when he takes on an opponent that forces him to grapple. The UFC has matched him up against exclusively strikers up to this point. That can't last forever.
Get that $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus ready (later confirmed by Dana White). This was one of the most creative finishes you will ever see. Magomedov was likely on his way to being up two rounds at the time of the stoppage, but the fight was competitive. He took it out of the judges hands completely late in the second frame by connecting with back-to-back spinning back fists, one with each hand. Petrosyan dropped like a sack of potatoes and immediately knew he could no longer continue. Shara has looked great thus far with the UFC and is undefeated through four fights with the company, but the real test is going to come when he takes on an opponent that forces him to grapple. The UFC has matched him up against exclusively strikers up to this point. That can't last forever.
Next fight scheduled
Magomedov is scheduled to compete against fellow middleweight Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 26, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Magomedov has an opportunity to have defeated three middleweights in five months. After handing Antonio Trocoli in June, he outlasted Michael Oleksiejczuk in August. In Magomedov's way is a middleweight looking to bounce back after getting submitted by Rodolfo Vieira.
Magomedov has an opportunity to have defeated three middleweights in five months. After handing Antonio Trocoli in June, he outlasted Michael Oleksiejczuk in August. In Magomedov's way is a middleweight looking to bounce back after getting submitted by Rodolfo Vieira.