Shara Magomedov lost his undefeated record Saturday at UFC Fight Night 250.
The middleweight sensation came up short in a unanimous decision against Michael Page in the co-main event of the Saudi Arabia card. Although many expected him to win, given he was the favorite and younger fighter, UFC CEO Dana White said he thought Magomedov (15-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) had a tough fight ahead.
“You have to be aggressive with Page, but it’s a weird situation to be in because he’s a counter-striker and he sort of sits back and waits for you,” White said. “You’re dammed if you do, damned if you don’t.”
When asked if Magomedov lost his buzz by losing his undefeated record against Page (23-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC), White was supportive. He sees MVP as a tough fight for anyone in the sport and said he thinks Magomedov’s stock remains strong.
“I think styles make fights, and MVP is a very tough style to fight,” White said. “He lays back and counter punches. If you go in guns a’blazing, he’s a real good counter puncher. And if you have a hard time getting off, there’s a lot of standing around and staring at each other.
“(Page is) just a hard style to fight. I don’t think this diminishes (Magomedov) in any way, and I don’t think it had anything to do with him freezing. Let’s not forget: The guy has one eye. That doesn’t help.”
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