Shara Magomedov has issued a social media statement in the aftermath of UFC Saudi Arabia.
‘Bullet’ suffered the first defeat of his career against Michael ‘Venom’ Page at the anb Arena in Riyadh on Saturday night.
The one-eyed Russian fighter was easily outpointed over three rounds in the UFC Saudi Arabia co-main event, which ended with a 30-27, 30-27, and 28-29 unanimous decision verdict in favor of his English opponent.
Post-fight, Shara Magomedov has hinted that a serious medical issue hampered his latest fight camp.
- READ MORE: Khamzat Chimaev shares two-word reaction to Michael Page spoiling Shara Magomedov’s perfect record
Shara Magomedov breaks silence after UFC Saudi Arabia
Magomedov took to Instagram several hours after slipping to 15-1 as a professional MMA fighter.
The 30-year-old vowed to bounce back as he hinted about a fight-impacting injury occurring in camp.
Magomedov captioned a graphic of himself: “The pirate sails into the harbor, but I will return!
“I knew all the risks when stepping in with such a nightmarish health condition and preparation. I felt that despite everything, I could still win—but it didn’t work out, and that’s it.
“Thank you to the @ufc organization for this opportunity and to everyone involved. I wanted to put on a show and meet expectations without canceling the fight. Thank you to everyone who stands by me in any situation! Alhamdulillah.”
Dana White dissects Shara Magomedov’s first loss
Magomedov mingled with soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo before the biggest fight of his career.
After UFC Saudi Arabia, a reporter asked Dana White if Magomedov’s first career defeat could be attributed to all the extra attention he’s had since scoring a double-spinning backfist KO at UFC 308 in October.
The UFC boss insists that had nothing to do with it – he says Page is simply a bad style matchup.
“No, I think styles make fights,” White said when asked if the pressure had beaten Magomedov.
“‘MVP’ is a very tough style to fight. You know, he lays back and counter-punches. If you go guns blazing against him, he’s a real good counter-puncher. And if you have a hard time getting off, there’s a lot of standing around staring at each other. He’s a hard style to fight.
“I don’t think this diminishes him. I don’t think it had anything to do with him freezing or…
“Let’s not forget he has one eye, that doesn’t help.”