Israel Adesanya’s Long UFC Hiatus Has Dagestani Phenom Sharaputdin Magomedov Waiting for Ex-UFC Champ- “I Hope to Fight”

UFC 294 will feature Sharaputdin Magomedov making his debut in the promotion. The undefeated middleweight prospect has an 11-0 record. The build up to UFC 294 was filled with twists and turns in the form of multiple changes to the card on short notice. Both Khamzat Chimaev and Islam Makhachev saw themselves facing replacements in the form of Kamaru Usman and Alexander Volkanvoski.

Despite all this, Magomedov has drawn the attention of the fans due to his competing with compromised vision. The Dagestani fighter has stated that he cannot see out of his right eye. However, in an interview with Smash Talk, he revealed that he is aiming for the top of the middleweight division. And he made his thoughts known about the fighters he wants to take on in the future!

Sharaputdin Magomedov believes he has an advantage over top UFC middleweights

Sharaputdin Magomedov will be fighting in the middleweight division of the UFC. His opponent for UFC 294 will be Bruno Silva. Magomedov, who hails from Dagestan, is known by the fans for his knockout power. He currently holds 10 knockouts in his 11-fight undefeated streak on his record.

Magomedov revealed that he suffered his eye injury during training in an interview with ‘MatchTV’. The injury sidelined him from competition for three years while he was on a four-fight win streak. Now, as he is set to make his UFC debut, he has already laid out his plans for the future.

In the interview with ‘Smash Talk’, Magomedov revealed that he believes the middleweight division and the size of the fighters present a unique challenge. He pointed out Alex Pereira, former UFC middleweight champion, as someone who is physically imposing but doesn’t faze Magomedov.

Magomedov then explained that he wishes to take on another former UFC champion after two or three fights in the promotion. He stated, “After two or three fights, I hope to fight Adesanya. I would like to fight Marvin Vettori, Israel Adesanya, Pereira and who else is there in the top of the division? Some good names.”

He affirmed that he would be interested in testing himself against the best the UFC has to offer. But also believes he can only control what he can do, and if his health allows it, he will try to do everything he has set out to accomplish. However, he would have to wait a while before facing ‘Stylebender’ as the ex-champ recently announced a hiatus from active competition.

With his debut just around the corner, there are also concerns by the fans about the UFC signing Sharaputdin Magomedov.

Magomedov and his controversial behavior outside the UFC

Magomedov is primarily known as a kickboxer and has achieved success in kickboxing, even defeating City Kickboxing’s, Blood Diamond. However, his journey to the UFC has been fraught with controversy. Before signing with the promotion, Magomedov found himself embroiled in at least two unsettling incidents.

In one incident, Magomedov got into a fight in a Dagestani mall. It began when he confronted a stranger for kissing their partner. Shockingly, someone recorded the altercation on camera. In another episode, during a grappling match at the ADCC Southeast Asia tournament, Magomedov assaulted his opponent after feigning a tap, further raising questions about his behavior.

Read More: One Eyed Fighter Sharaputdin Magomedov Once Left Joe Rogan Concerned After UFC’s Move for the Russian MMA Star – “How’s That Work?”

As Sharaputdin “Shara Bullet” Magomedov gets ready for his UFC debut, fans can’t help but wonder about his potential impact in the Octagon, given the controversies that have marred his undeniable fighting talent. Fans and pundits alike are curious about what to expect.

Do you think Magomedov has what it takes to take on elite UFC middleweights? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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