The undefeated UFC fighter pool featuring Khamzat Chimaev lost a top name at UFC Saudi Arabia.
Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov‘s undefeated run is no more after he lost to Michael ‘Venom’ Page by unanimous decision at UFC Saudi Arabia on Saturday. In a tactical performance, Page frustrated Magomedov with his range and timely striking, shutting down Magomedov’s dangerous Muay Thai en route to a decisive victory.
It was a stunning performance from Page after making the 15-pound move up to middleweight for the fan-friendly clash with Magomedov. Despite the decisive win in his middleweight debut, Page wants to return to 170lbs to contend for the belt.
Khamzat Chimaev, like Page, has split time at welterweight and middleweight during his UFC tenure. Chimaev is likely set for a middleweight title shot against the Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2 winner but kept a keen eye on the action in Riyadh.
After Page’s shocking win, Chimaev took mere minutes after the official decision was read to congratulate Page on his victory. He nodded to Page’s post-fight interview, in which the former Bellator title challenger dropped an iconic movie reference.
Khamzat Chimaev applauds Michael ‘Venom’ Page after post-fight movie reference
In his post-fight interview with Paul Felder, Page sent a message to his potential future opponents, announcing ‘I’m the Captain now!’ in reference to the 2013 film Captain Phillips. In a post to X, Chimaev acknowledged Page’s win while also nodding to his post-fight remarks.
“Congrats captain [Page],” Chimaev posted.
Chimaev and Magomedov were two of the few unbeaten middleweights in the UFC leading up to UFC Saudi Arabia. After how things transpired in the UFC Saudi Arabia co-main, Chimaev is the only undefeated overall fighter in the middleweight Top 15, although Caio Borralho is also unbeaten in his UFC tenure.
Magomedov’s first career loss comes after recent finishes against Armen Petrosyan and Antonio Trocoli. He won his first 15 professional fights overall.
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Khamzat Chimaev promises a UFC title win in 2025
If Strickland defeats du Plessis at UFC 312 next weekend, Chimaev is likely on his radar. Strickland warned Chimaev about a potential fight in a pre-UFC 312 jab during a recent interview.
Chimaev has struggled with activity in recent years after a record-breaking first year with the promotion in 2020. Despite his inconsistent activity inside the Octagon, Chimaev promises to win the middleweight title in 2025, matching his recent trend of one fight booking every 12 months.
Chimaev was a top target of Israel Adesanya before Adesanya’s stunning loss in the UFC Saudi Arabia main event. Nassourdine Imavov extended Adesanya’s longest MMA losing skid by finishing him just 30 seconds into Round 2.
While Page likely won’t return to middleweight anytime soon, Chimaev respects Page for his victorious 185lb debut.