Can UFC’s Sharaputdin Magomedov Fight in the USA?

Sharaputdin Magomedov has made quite an impact despite being just one fight old in the UFC. With his undefeated record, an over 80% knockout rate, unique personality, and dynamic, flamboyant striking skills, he is among the most exciting prospects in the UFC whom fans cannot get enough of. While this is enough for him to stand out from the crowd, there is one unique aspect about him that none of the other hundreds of fighters on the UFC roster have: he has one eye.

Since his debut on UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi against Bruno Silva last October, which he won mostly off of his back, there is one question that has been on many fans’ minds: can he fight in the US with only one eye? And the answer to that is, well, complicated.

Does Sharaputdin Magomedov have a US Visa?

Not yet. But he will get it soon, ‘Shara Bullet’ revealed in an interview with Red Corner MMA posted on June 15. “Yes, we were discussing it (my manager) Ali is waiting for me. I’m getting a visa in a few days,” the undefeated middleweight said. However, he is not coming to the US for a fight, but for a very different reason, which we will discuss briefly later. The Dagestani, of course, is scheduled to face Joilton Lutterbach in the prelim card of the UFC’s historic first-ever Saudi Arabia event on June 22.

However, whether the undefeated fighter can fight in America is pretty unclear. Whether he can fight in the US will come down to individual Athletic Commissions. For instance, the Nevada Athletic Commission rules state that a fighter needs to have both eyes to be licensed by it. This means the Dagestani will not get to fight in the state.

On the other hand, there are various other Athletic Commissions with much more liberal requirements to be licensed in that state, such as in Florida and Texas, which might let him fight in their respective jurisdictions. It is worth mentioning former middleweight champion Michael Bisping here. The Englishman lost functioning in one eye following a head kick by Vitor Belfort back in 2013 but went on to become champ with one eye.

To continue fighting, he would cheat medical exams by memorizing the eye test charts, and pretend he was reading it off the chart during eye examinations. However, Magomedov cannot do this as, unlike Bisping, who hid the fact from the doctors and the fans, everyone knows the undefeated middleweight cannot see out of one eye.

Even if he isn’t licensed by any Athletic Commissions in the United States, he can fight out of the country in more liberal licensing regimes such as in the Middle East. Which brings us to why ‘Shara Bullet’ is coming to the US.

Is Sharaputdin Magomedov debuting in Hollywood?

In the same interview, Magomedov revealed that he has been cast for a role in an upcoming Hollywood movie, and would be coming to the US to shoot for the film. In addition, he would have the opportunity to train and network with the top guys in the UFC.

The American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) gym in San Jose, California, which is the stomping ground of Dagestani stars like lightweight champ Islam Makhachev and a host of Dagestani fighters, could be a natural choice for ‘Shara Bullet’. But there is no shortage of excellent gyms in the US, and he wouldn’t go wrong if he chooses to go to another half a dozen gyms in various parts of the country.

“When I get it [US visa], I will fly to America and perhaps star in that movie and train as well,” Magomedov said. As far as the film goes, Magomedov did not reveal any of the other details, including the presumed title, any details on the cast, director, or even what role he would be playing. Given his strikingly distinct looks, as well as his lack of proficiency in English, it is safe to say it would be a role where he doesn’t have to speak (English) much.

What are your thoughts about Sharaputdin Magomedov and his upcoming fight at the UFC Fight Night? Let us know in the comments below.