Rising middleweight star Sharaputdin Magomedov (or simply Shara Bullet) has been booked into a fan-friendly showdown with Michael “Venom” Page at UFC Saudi Arabi this Saturday, leading to one big question:
Who blinks, and shoots a takedown, first?
Both fighters have displayed dazzling striking abilities throughout their mixed martial arts careers, and both were asked about the potential for takedowns during their respective media day sessions on Wednesday. Magomedov (15-0), for one, expect takedowns to be a big part of his opponent’s game plan.
“I think his game plan is going to be grabbing my leg and taking me down, but that doesn’t mean that he’s going to be able to do something with his wrestling down there. Because it doesn’t matter which ways the fight goes, he’s not going to be able to hide away from my bullets,” the Dagestani fighter, who has taken on the persona of a pirate, exclaimed during his media session. “Whether we’re gonna keep standing, whether we’re gonna go down, he’s going to keep getting damage.”
“I’m not here to wrestle, I’m here to show I’m the best striker in the world, so it doesn’t matter where the fight goes, he’s definitely going to be the one with all of the damage. Potentially maybe he wants to take me down and get me tired, but trust me I’ll be able to withstand 15 minutes inside the cage with him.”
Later, he bristled at comments made by Page that suggested Magomedov was a comfortable fight for him.
“He says that I’m a very, very comfortable opponent for him but he doesn’t even understand how uncomfortable I’m going to be for him, and how comfortable he’s going to be for me,” Magomedov stated. “Because when you go into the cage with a pirate, once I bite into you, I will not let go. I have a death grip, and he’s not going to be able to get away from me.”
Shara Bullet also confirmed on Wednesday that he will continue to portray his pirate character, which has been a big hit with UFC fans. In fact, he’s looking to get a bit more theatrical with it. “I’m hoping to buy a ship and potentially sail to my next fight. At least at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi I’ll be able to do that, so keep your cameras ready.”
Watch the full UFC Saudi Arabia media day appearance by Shara Bullet above.