- George Chung
- Jan 29
- 3 min read
The Octagon is set to ignite in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as two of the most electrifying strikers in MMA collide in a co-main event that promises fireworks. Shara “Bullet” Magomedov vs Michael “Venom” Page are stepping up for what could be a career-defining fight—and fans better buckle up because this one has all the makings of an instant classic.
Before former middleweight king Israel Adesanya and the surging Nassourdine Imavov throw down in the main event, the spotlight belongs to Magomedov and Page. This isn’t just a fight; it’s a clash of styles, power, and sheer octagon mastery. The stakes are high, and the consequences? Even higher.
Shara Magomedov: The Knockout Machine Looking to Make a Statement
Shara Magomedov has been tearing through the UFC’s middleweight division like a wrecking ball. Since making his debut in 2023, “Bullet” has put together a flawless 4-0 record, annihilating opponents like Bruno Silva, Antonio Trocoli, Michal Oleksiejczuk, and Armen Petrosyan. With a jaw-dropping 12 knockouts in his 15 professional wins, Magomedov is a human highlight reel.
His most iconic moment? A double spinning backfist knockout of Petrosyan that left the MMA world speechless. Ranked No. 14 in the division, Magomedov knows that another explosive finish could propel him into the top 10 and bring him within striking distance of a title shot.
And let’s not forget—he already owns the Saudi crowd. The last time Magomedov fought in the Kingdom, he put on an absolute masterclass, finishing Trocoli in the third round. Now, he’s back, and he’s ready to steal the show.
Michael “Venom” Page: The Unpredictable Showman Making His Middleweight Debut
Michael “Venom” Page isn’t just a fighter; he’s an entertainer, a puzzle that opponents struggle to solve. Known for his flashy and unorthodox striking, Page is making his highly anticipated move up to middleweight after a stint at 170 pounds.
Page’s UFC debut saw him outclass Kevin Holland in a dominant decision win, but a tough fight against Ian Machado Garry left him with his first UFC loss. Now, he’s hungry to make a statement—and what better way than by stopping one of the division’s most feared knockout artists?
With 14 knockouts and three submissions among his 23 career wins, Page has shown he’s a finishing machine in his own right. But stepping up in weight against a powerhouse like Magomedov is a massive challenge. Can he handle the size and power difference? Or will his slick movement and pinpoint accuracy be enough to neutralize Magomedov’s relentless aggression?
Striking Stats That Could Decide the Fight
Both men are elite strikers, but the numbers tell an interesting story:
Striking Accuracy: Magomedov (65.4%) vs. Page (62%)
Strikes Landed Per Minute: Magomedov (6.82) vs. Page (2.07)
While their accuracy is close, the volume difference is staggering. Magomedov throws almost three times the number of significant strikes per minute compared to Page. If Page can’t find a way to slow Magomedov down, he could be in for a long night—or a very short one.
High Stakes, Higher Consequences
This fight isn’t just about bragging rights. With the UFC Middleweight Championship on the line next weekend at UFC 312 in Sydney, both men know that an emphatic victory could catapult them into title talks. Magomedov is eyeing his shot at gold, while Page is determined to prove he belongs among the elite at 185 pounds.
Will Magomedov add another devastating knockout to his resume, or will Page’s unpredictable striking shock the world? One thing is certain—this fight is must-watch MMA.
Don't blink. Don't miss it. UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov goes down LIVE from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 1, 2025.
📅 Prelims Start: 9 AM ET / 6 AM PT🎥 Main Card on ESPN+: 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT
Set your alarms, fight fans—this one is going to be electric!
