Tag: Shara Magomedov

UFC 309’s Bo Nickal confident he’d make quick work of Shara Magomedov

Bo Nickal likes how he matches up with Shara Magomedov.

[autotag]Bo Nickal[/autotag] likes how he matches up with [autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag].

Magomedov (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) earned his most impressive octagon finish to date when he knocked out Armen Petrosyan with a double backfist at UFC 308 in October.

Nickal was impressed with the finish, but thinks “Bullet” is an easy stylistic matchup for him.

“I would like to fight him, but it’s not a tough fight, and I would have to go to Abu Dhabi,” Nickal said of Magomedov on his YouTube channel. “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.”

However, based on Magomedov’s opposition in the UFC so far, standout wrestler Nickal doesn’t see them crossing paths.

“I don’t know. It would be fun though,” Nickal continued. “I think they’re just going to keep putting him against strikers, but we’ll see.”

Nickal (6-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) returns to action Nov. 16 when he takes on Paul Craig (17-8-1 MMA, 9-8-1 UFC) in a middleweight bout on the UFC 309 main card at Madison Square Garden. He is once again a massive betting favorite, this time -1000 according to DraftKings.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 309.

Michael Page interested to fight Shara Magomedov at middleweight: ‘I bet I get him to try to take me down’

Michael Page liked what he saw from Shara Magomedov at UFC 308 and would be willing to move up a division to fight him.

[autotag]Michael Page[/autotag] would move up to middleweight to fight [autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag].

Magomedov (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) called out former champion Israel Adesanya after his spectacular knockout of Armen Petrosyan this past Saturday at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. Adesanya told Magomedov to keep his name out of his mouth, but MVP is happy to swoop in and take that fight. He sees a fight between him and Magomedov being a striker’s delight.

“The hairs on the back of my neck went up when I heard Shara ‘Bullet’ call out my boy Izzy,” Page said on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “I was like, my boy Izzy is working on regaining that throne, let me jump in. I’m happy to do it. You’re talking about being the best striker. He says in his division, but right now I’m grappling in your division. So, why not? At 185, happy to jump up.”

Page (22-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC), who most recently was outgrappled in a close decision loss to Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303 in June, is keeping active by competing in a grappling match. He meets former WEC champion and former UFC interim champion Carlos Condit in the Polaris 30 main event on Saturday in London.

He was highly impressed with Magomedov’s double backfist finish of Petrosyan but is confident that “Bullet” would eventually try and grapple him if they fought.

“Absolutely beautiful, I really enjoyed that,” Page said. “And it was definitely something he’s drilled before, so I really like that. It’s a very nice shot. When it comes to striking, I just fear nobody. I bet I get him to try to take me down. He’s going to get panicky in some way, shape, or form. I bet he tries and takes me down, but if he doesn’t and just stands with me then I just think it’s going to be an exceptional MMA fight.”

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Grading UFC 308 winners: Magomed Ankalaev, Lerone Murphy and Shara Magomedov’s wild KO

What’s next for Magomed Ankalaev, Lerone Murphy, Shara Magomedov after their UFC 308 wins? We discuss on “Spinning Back Clique.”

UFC 308 was certainly a big night for Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev, but there were others on that card that shinned as well.

[autotag]Magomed Ankalaev[/autotag] demented himself as the No. 1 contender in the division by defeating Aleksandar Rakic in a unanimous decision, [autotag]Lerone Murphy[/autotag] also won on the scorecards, defeating veteran Dan Ige, [autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag] picked up one of the wildest knockouts of 2024 by putting away Armen Petrosyan.

Should Ankalaev get the next title shot? Is Murphy ready for the top dogs at featherweight? What’s the ceiling on Magomedov? What should be next for these winners after their respective victories?

MMA Junkie’s Brian “Goze” Garcia, Dan Tom, Danny Segura and host “Gorgeous” George discuss some of the big wins under the top billing of Saturday’s UFC pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi.

Watch their discussion in the video above, and don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube.

https://youtube.com/live/h6-QMNMPZ9A

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Shara Magomedov commits to Israel Adesanya pursuit after UFC 308, just like their kickboxing days

After one of the most highlight reel-worthy KOs in UFC history, Shara Magomedov brought part of his focus back to a longtime pursuit.

ABU DHABI – After what is likely to go down as one of the most highlight reel-worthy knockouts in UFC history, [autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag] brought part of his focus back to a longtime pursuit.

Magomedov (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) stayed unbeaten Saturday when he took out Armen Petrosyan (9-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC) with a second-round TKO to open the UFC 308 main card at Etihad Arena. The finish was far from an ordinary one, though.

Magomedov threw a spinning backfist, and as soon as the first one was about to land, he pivoted and threw another with the opposite arm. It landed clean, and Petrosyan was done, with the only thing left being his unfortunate immortalization on the wrong end of the Shara “Bullet” highlight.

“I used to practice this technique since my career in muay Thai,” Magomedov said at his post-fight news conference. “In MMA, I was unable to throw it (until now) because people are going to wrestle me. But this time, I fought a high-level striker and it became a chess match – and I was able to surprise him in this chess match.”

Not surprisingly, Magomedov picked up a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for the stunning finish, which opened the pay-per-view portion of the card.

But Magomedov didn’t immediately shoot for the moon, despite an opportune time to play the “I want a title shot” game. Ne wants a fight with former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, whom he said he’s been after since they were in the kickboxing world at the same time.

“I used to chase Israel when he fought kickboxing in China. I was fighting kickboxing in China too,” Magomedov said. “Now that he switched to MMA, and now that I’m here, I’m ready to capture (what he’s had). I’m ready to fight him … it doesn’t matter where. I beat his friend and sparring partner, Blood Diamond, in China and I was ready to fight him. Israel is very popular in China. Then he switched to MMA and signed to the UFC – and now I’m here, too.”

Adesanya is mired in the first slump of his career. He lost the middleweight title to Alex Pereira at UFC 281, but won it back at UFC 287. Then he lost it to Sean Strickland 13 months ago. He was submitted by new champ Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 in August for his second straight defeat.

Magomedov said it doesn’t matter as much when he fights Adesanya, so lnog as it happens.

“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.

“Our middleweight division is full of predators and sharks, but I’m the only pirate.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.

UFC 308 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Ilia Topuria’s $42,000 leads card

Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway combined for $74,000 of the Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay for UFC 308.

ABU DHABI – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 308 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $252,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC 308 took place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN+

The full UFC 308 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Ilia Topuria[/autotag]: $42,000
def. [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Khamzat Chimaev[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Magomed Ankalaev[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Aleksandar Rakic[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Lerone Murphy[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Dan Ige[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Armen Petrosyan[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Ibo Aslan[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Rafael Cerqueira[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Geoff Neal[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Rafael dos Anjos[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Mateusz Rebecki[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Myktybek Orolbai[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Abus Magomedov[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Brunno Ferreira[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Kennedy Nzechukwu[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Chris Barnett[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Farid Basharat[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Victor Hugo[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Ismail Naurdiev[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Bruno Silva[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Rinat Fakhretdinov[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Carlos Leal[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $6,896,000
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $29,633,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.

UFC 308 results: Shara Magomedov lands insane double backfist to knock out Armen Petrosyan

You’ve never seen a knockout quite like the one Shara Bullet just hit at UFC 308.

When “Shara Bullet” faced quite possibly his toughest test to date, he pulled off an all-time highlight to clinch victory.

In the UFC 308 main card opener, [autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag] defeated [autotag]Armen Petrosyan[/autotag] via TKO due to double backfist at 4:52 of Round 2. The event took place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The middleweight bout was fought at a frenetic pace with both fighters showing their passion for kicks. Magomedov (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) utilized his signature spinning attacks, though flare seemed to dominate over substance for stretches in the fight.

Petrosyan (9-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC) landed some hard punches in the opening minutes, but Magomedov came on strong late in Round 1.

In Round 2, Petrosyan struggled to keep his kicks up. Referee Kerry Hatley intervened on multiple occasions after kicks to the cup by Petrosyan.

But Magomedov persevered. He then landed the first double backfist knockout in UFC history. He first spun and connected with a left spinning backfist. Then on the recoil, he spun the opposite direction and cracked Petrosyan again, this time with a left spinning backfist.

The unbelievable sequence crumpled Petrosyan to the canvas. No follow-up shots were needed before Hatley waved off the bout.

Magomedov remains undefeated as he continues to grow his presence and popularity. Prior to Saturday’s fights, he defeated Bruno Silva, Antonio Trocoli, and Michal Oleksiejczuk.

Petrosyan falls into a two-fight skid. Saturday’s defeat was only his second pro loss by TKO.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 308 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.

Shara Magomedov def. Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308: Best photos from Abu Dhabi

Check out the best photos from Shara Magomedov’s first-round TKO win over Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Check out the best photos from [autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag]’s first-round TKO win over [autotag]Armen Petrosyan[/autotag] at UFC 308 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. (Photos by Craig Kidwell, special to MMA Junkie; MMA Junkie; UFC)

Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan prediction, pick, start time, odds for UFC 308

Could Armen Petrosyan derail the Shara “Bullet” hype train at UFC 308?

[autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag] and [autotag]Armen Petrosyan[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC 308 at Etihad Arena in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Last event: 2-4
UFC main cards, 2024: 89-81-3

Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan UFC 308 preview

Off to a 3-0 start in his UFC tenure, Magomedov (14-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is yet to taste defeat in his career. A win here would give Magomedov is third win of 2024. … Petrosyan (9-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) is coming off a first-round submission loss to Rodolfo Vieira this past February. Prior to that setback, he’d won two fights in a row.

Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan expert pick, prediction

Despite having fights like Myktybek Orolbai vs. Mateusz Rebecki on the prelims, the matchmakers decided to kick off the paid portion of the card with a middleweight matchup between Magomedov and Petrosyan.

I get that this should be a stand-up affair on paper, I’m just still having a hard time with the fact that the UFC is trying to shove “Shara Bullet” down our throats.

Aside from looking like a James Bond villain who can throw kicks with solid power, there isn’t much to speak of when it comes to well-rounded skills or a depth of process from Magomedov.

Petrosyan, on the other hand, is a more consistent and proven commodity inside the cage.

The Armenian may not wield the same flash or flare as Magomedov, but Petrosyan possesses solid fundamentals that allow him to get off offense at a decent clip.

Petrosyan also appears to be the better grappler by a decent stretch, which is more than enough for me to side with him in this spot.

The pick is Petrosyan by unanimous decision.

Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan odds

The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the more hyped product, listing Magomedov -168 and Petrosyan +136 via FanDuel.

Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan start time, how to watch

As the main card opener, Magomedov and Petrosyan are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 2:15 p.m. ET (11:15 a.m. PT). The fight will stream on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.

UFC 308 full press conference faceoffs video: Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev, more

The entire UFC 308 main card, including Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev, faced off at the pre-fight press conference in Abu Dhabi.

ABU DHABI – The stars of UFC 308 main card athletes came face to face for the first time during fight week following Thursday’s pre-fight press conference.

With fight week festivities rolling on, the athletes for the card took the stage to answers questions from the media, then engaged in staredowns ahead of Saturday’s event, which takes place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN+).

In addition to the [autotag]Ilia Topuria[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] featherweight championship main event, the anticipated five-round middleweight co-headliner of [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Khamzat Chimaev[/autotag], as well as main card bouts of [autotag]Lerone Murphy[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Dan Ige[/autotag], [autotag]Magomed Ankalaev[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Aleksandar Rakic[/autotag] and [autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Armen Petrosyan[/autotag] also were in attendance and participated in faceoffs.

Watch the video above to see the full pre-fight press conference faceoffs ahead of UFC 308.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.

Armen Petrosyan recounts training with Shara Magomedov, expects ‘very fiery’ UFC 308 fight

Shara Magomedov is a familiar name for Armen Petrosyan ahead of their UFC 308 encounter.

ABU DHABI – [autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag] is a familiar name for [autotag]Armen Petrosyan[/autotag].

Petrosyan (9-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) takes on Magomedov (14-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 308 main card opener at Etihad Arena (pay-per-view, ESPN+).

Petrosyan will look to capitalize on the hype that undefeated Magomedov brings and the coveted spot they’re on to open up the pay-per-view.

“Shara is very popular. He’s got a lot of hype behind him, and I think really for both of us, this is a great thing that there’s going to be so many people watching this specific fight,” Petrosyan told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter at Wednesday’s UFC 308 media day.

Petrosyan recalls competing in the same kickboxing tournament as Magomedov. They even shared the mats before, and the 33-year-old has nothing but respect for his opponent.

“We know each other. At one point we even trained together way back when,” Petrosyan said. “The tournament you’re talking about, we fought together on the same tournament. It’s not like we fought each other. Yeah, we know each other.

“I wouldn’t say we’re best of friends, but we’re really good acquaintances. We know all of his weak parts, we know all of his good sides, so you’ll see it. For every opponent, we make sure to study him really well, so I think you’ll see everything in the fight. … It’s going to be very fiery, very exciting.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.