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Shara “Bullet” Magomedov is swiftly becoming one of the most talked-about fighters in the UFC’s middleweight division. Set to face Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308 on October 26, Magomedov's momentum shows no signs of slowing down. With three victories in less than four months, the Dagestani fighter is rapidly ascending the ranks, drawing comparisons to the meteoric rise of Khamzat Chimaev. As the UFC leans into international events to accommodate Magomedov’s unique circumstances, his journey to stardom is both intriguing and complex.
Magomedov entered the UFC with a wave of expectations, and he has not disappointed. The 14-0 middleweight made his debut earlier this year and has since fought three times, emerging victorious in each bout. His latest win came in August against Michal Oleksiejczuk, a Fight of the Night performance that solidified his reputation as a rising star. Taking the fight on just over a week’s notice, Magomedov’s unanimous decision victory showcased not only his skill but also his resilience and readiness to compete at the highest level.
The UFC has wasted no time in capitalizing on Magomedov’s success, scheduling him for a busy fight slate that mirrors the rapid ascension of fighters like Chimaev. This strategy not only keeps Magomedov in the public eye but also allows him to build his record and climb the rankings quickly. With his next fight against Petrosyan, Magomedov is on the verge of establishing himself as a serious contender in the middleweight division.
Armen Petrosyan, Magomedov’s next opponent, is no stranger to the UFC’s middleweight ranks. With a professional record of 9-3, Petrosyan has faced a mix of tough competition since earning his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021. His UFC debut saw him secure a victory over Gregory Rodrigues, but his subsequent performances have been a mixed bag. After losses to Caio Borralho and Rodolfo Vieira, and wins against AJ Dobson and Christian Leroy Duncan, Petrosyan finds himself needing a win to regain momentum.
Petrosyan’s most recent outing was a first-round submission loss to Vieira in February, a setback that he will be eager to overcome. For Magomedov, this fight presents an opportunity to further build his profile by defeating a seasoned veteran with a respectable UFC resume. The matchup is nearly official, pending UFC confirmation, and both fighters are preparing for what promises to be an intriguing clash of styles.
One of the more unique aspects of Magomedov’s UFC career is the necessity for international events due to licensing issues related to his visual impairment. Magomedov, who only has one functioning eye, faces regulatory hurdles that make it difficult for him to compete in certain regions, particularly in the United States. This has led the UFC to prioritize his appearances in international events, such as UFC 308, which will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Dana White, the UFC President, has previously addressed these issues, noting that while Magomedov’s condition poses challenges, it also opens up opportunities for him to become a global star. The focus on international venues allows Magomedov to continue competing at a high level while also catering to his growing fanbase in the Middle East and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. This strategy not only circumvents the regulatory challenges but also taps into the UFC’s expanding global audience.
At just 14-0, Shara Magomedov’s potential in the UFC is immense, but his path to stardom is not without obstacles. Beyond the regulatory issues, Magomedov is also navigating the complexities of contract negotiations as he becomes a free agent. His success in the Octagon has undoubtedly increased his value, and securing a new contract with the UFC will be crucial for his continued ascent.
Magomedov’s aspirations go beyond just winning fights; he has his sights set on becoming a global superstar. Following his win over Oleksiejczuk, Magomedov made headlines by calling out Nick Diaz, a former UFC welterweight champion and one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. Although Diaz is no longer in his prime, the callout was a calculated move by Magomedov to generate buzz and position himself as a fighter willing to take on anyone, anywhere.
In his post-fight interview, Magomedov addressed the callout, saying, “Nick Diaz, let’s go fight. You’re a striker, I’m a striker. You’re old, I’m a junior fighter. This is a very interesting fight and popular with fans. Let’s go, Abu Dhabi, October.”
While the fight with Diaz may not materialize, the sentiment behind the callout is clear: Magomedov wants to fight big names and establish himself as a must-watch fighter in the UFC.
While Magomedov vs. Petrosyan is a compelling matchup, UFC 308 offers much more. The event is headlined by Ilia Topuria’s first featherweight title defense against Max Holloway, a fight that promises to be a barnburner. Topuria, who has rapidly risen through the ranks, faces his toughest test yet in Holloway, a former champion known for his relentless pace and striking prowess.
The co-main event features Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker, a bout that could determine the next middleweight title challenger. Chimaev, like Magomedov, has quickly become one of the UFC’s most talked-about fighters, and a win over Whittaker would cement his status as a top contender. Whittaker, the former middleweight champion, is looking to reclaim his place at the top of the division and secure another shot at the title.
Other notable fights on the card include Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov in a heavyweight showdown, Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic in a light heavyweight clash, and Geoff Neal vs. Rafael dos Anjos in a welterweight bout. UFC 308 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting cards of the year, with fights that have significant implications across multiple divisions.
As Magomedov prepares for his fight with Petrosyan, the question on everyone’s mind is what’s next for the rising star. A win at UFC 308 would likely propel Magomedov into the top 15 of the middleweight rankings, setting him up for even bigger fights in 2024. However, his journey is far from straightforward. The UFC will need to carefully manage his fight opportunities, balancing the need for high-profile matchups with the challenges posed by his licensing issues.
Magomedov has expressed a desire to fight in the United States, a goal that remains elusive due to his visual impairment. However, there are regions in the U.S. where the UFC has a history of allowing fighters with similar conditions to compete. If Magomedov can secure the necessary approvals, a fight in the U.S. would be a significant milestone in his career, allowing him to tap into a new market and further build his brand.
In the meantime, Magomedov’s focus remains on winning fights and building his profile. He has already captured the attention of fans and media alike with his performances, but to truly become a superstar, he will need to continue delivering in the Octagon. His fight against Petrosyan is another step on that journey, and a dominant win could set the stage for even bigger opportunities in the near future.
Shara “Bullet” Magomedov is on the cusp of something special in the UFC. With an unbeaten record, a busy fight schedule, and a growing fanbase, he has all the tools to become a major player in the middleweight division. However, his path to the top is fraught with challenges, from contract negotiations to licensing issues. The UFC’s decision to focus on international events for Magomedov is a smart move, allowing him to continue competing while navigating these obstacles.
As UFC 308 approaches, all eyes will be on Magomedov as he takes on Armen Petrosyan in a fight that could further elevate his status in the sport. Whether he can maintain his momentum and continue his rise through the ranks remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Shara Magomedov is a fighter to watch in 2024 and beyond.
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