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MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 06: Dana White speaks to the press and the fans during a press conference for UFC 287, Pereira versus Adesanya 2, on April 6, 2023, at Kaseya Center in Miami, FL. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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via Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 06: Dana White speaks to the press and the fans during a press conference for UFC 287, Pereira versus Adesanya 2, on April 6, 2023, at Kaseya Center in Miami, FL. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Russian fighter Sharaputdin Magomedov is gearing up for his UFC debut at UFC 294. As the promotion signed him, they offered him a contract vastly different from other fighters. As such, Magomedov opened up on the reason behind Dana White deciding to offer him a special contract.
Sharaputdin Magomedov was initially slated to fight veteran Derek Brunson. However, ‘The One’ recently left the UFC and joined the PFL. Now, the Dagestan native will take on Bruno Silva in Abu Dhabi. As we approach UFC 294 this weekend, Magomedov spoke about his UFC contract in an interview with ‘Smash Talk’. Let’s see what he had to say.
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Sharaputdin Magomedov opines on why Dana White gave him a special contract
The UFC is the world’s biggest MMA promotion, without a shadow of a doubt. They are home to some of the most skilled as well as entertaining fighters. Keeping this in mind, Sharaputdin Magomedov claimed that the promotion has its own way of choosing which fighters they should sign.
“They probably have their own spectrum of how they choose fighters, their own criteria,” said Magomedov. ‘Bullet’ also stated, “Is the guy talented in the fighting aspect? Is he a talented communicator with the public? They probably look at all of those things.”
Of course, the UFC wants to sign fighters who possess exceptional fighting skills. However, Sharaputdin Magomedov believes that Dana White wants his fighters to have an active media presence. This, he believes, is one of the most important things that a UFC fighter has to develop.
“One thing is to show spectacular fights and the other thing is to constantly maintain your media presence and vice versa,” Sharaputdin Magomedov further added. Furthermore, the Dagestan native also mentioned what fans expect from fighters as well. Let’s take a look at his thoughts on that front.
‘Bullet’ talks about the fans’ expectations of UFC fighters
The UFC, more often than not, has a packed arena for big events. Sharaputdin Magomedov mentioned that these people come to the arenas expecting to witness fighters’ unique skills and their acts of fair play. He said, “The real reason why people come to the arenas is to watch us fight [and] to see how beautiful and how professional we are doing it.”
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Furthermore, ‘Bullet’ also mentioned that the interest among fans grows more if the fighters have unique fighting styles. Not only that, but they also need to possess a compelling charm to make the fans come back for more. “That probably is something that makes distinction between fighters – the fighting style, your charisma, it all adds some extra interest for the viewers. I am ready to show my whole package,” said Magomedov.
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Sharaputdin Magomedov already has a great record of 11 wins and no losses. It will be interesting to see if he can continue his undefeated run in his first match in the UFC. His opponent, Bruno Silva, has a modest record in Dana White’s promotion but is vastly experienced with more than 30 fights under his belt. We will have to wait and see how things unfold this weekend.
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