Michael Page delivered a dominant performance against Shara Magomedov in the UFC Saudi Arabia co-main event, handing Magomedov his first loss and showcasing his striking prowess, although Page admitted the transition from Bellator to UFC has been more challenging than expected.
Michael Page barely needed five minutes to figure out “Shara Bullet.” In the UFC Saudi Arabia co-main event, Page handed Shara Magomedov his first loss. A complete three-round performance left the previously unbeaten fighter puzzled. How to approach Page? That was the question on everyone’s mind.
“MVP” added yet another striking clinic to his career full of them. Later, he told reporters that he knew the game was in hand after a few exchanges in the opening round. “Before even the end of Round 1,” Page said at the post-fight press conference, “I knew he was never going to do anything to beat me.”
Page felt Magomedov was second-guessing himself. “He was only going to want to strike,” Page noted. Feeling hesitant? Maybe just a bit. But confident? Absolutely.
Before facing Page, Magomedov boasted a 15-0 pro record and a 4-0 streak in the UFC. His recent win featured a dazzling double spinning backfist knockout of Armen Petrosyan. Fast track to a title shot, they said.
Yet none of Magomedov’s dazzling techniques were on display against Page. Why? Page attributes this more to his ability to neutralize foes than any shortcomings on Magomedov’s part. “He’s still an exceptional striker,” Page remarked.
“I would never take that away from him,” he continued. People see what he does in the cage and are impressed. Exceptional fighter? No doubt about it. But with my experience, I’ve seen that style before.
Does it take anything away from him? Nope, not at all. “I would never say that guy’s not a good fighter,” Page emphasized. “He’s amazing.”
Despite being pleased with his latest performance, Page is still searching for a finish in his three UFC appearances. During his Bellator run from 2014-2023, Page became known for highlight-reel finishes and viral celebrations.
Page admitted that his time in the UFC has proven more challenging than expected. But fans will see him back in finishing form soon—promise.
“I didn’t think this at the beginning,” Page confessed, “but I’m starting to think it a bit more now.” The magnitude of the UFC brand weighs on him a little bit, making him more hesitant.
“When I was at Bellator,” he reminisced, “there was no hesitation.” He was sure of himself then—no second-guessing involved. Is it wanting it too much? Perhaps.
But there’s definitely a UFC effect at play here. The more comfortable he gets, the more fans will see the old “MVP.” That’s something to look forward to!