A High-Stakes Middleweight Clash

Michael “Venom” Page delivered a masterful performance at UFC Fight Night 250 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, securing a unanimous decision victory over the previously undefeated Shara “Bullet” Magomedov. This fight marked Page’s third UFC appearance, and his move up to middleweight after competing primarily at welterweight. The judges scored the fight 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in Page’s favor.

Magomedov entered the bout with an impressive 12-0 record, having last fought at UFC 308, where he knocked out Armen Petrosyan in spectacular fashion. The Dagestani striker initially expressed interest in facing Israel Adesanya, but instead squared off against Page, who is widely regarded as one of MMA’s most elusive strikers.

30-27, 30=27, 29-28 #UFCSaudiArabia

Michael Venom Page hands Shara Magomedov his first defeat!= ?#RiyadhSeason | @RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/ZsbDONxpFu

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) February 1, 2025

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: Page Controls the Distance

The opening round was a battle of patience and strategy. Both fighters spent the first minute gauging distance, but it was Page’s lateral movement and feints that dictated the pace. Magomedov struggled to land clean shots, while Page connected with a few sharp counterstrikes. In the final seconds, Page threw a head kick that narrowly missed, signaling his offensive intent.

Round 2: Page’s Precision Shines

The second round mirrored the first, with Magomedov continuing to bite on Page’s feints. While the Dagestani remained composed, he failed to cut off the cage effectively. Page, known for his flashy striking, landed a jumping knee and a crisp one-two combination, further frustrating his opponent. Although this round was closer than the first, Page’s superior timing and control gave him the edge.

Round 3: Magomedov’s Best Effort Falls Short

Sensing urgency, Magomedov upped his aggression in the final round, landing his best strikes of the fight. He connected with a solid right hand, but Page absorbed it well. Despite a late surge from Magomedov, Page remained elusive, using his signature movement to evade significant damage. By the end of the round, it was clear that Page’s superior game plan had secured him the win.

Post-Fight Reaction: “I Am the Captain Now”

Following his victory, Page took a playful jab at Magomedov, referencing his “Pirate” nickname by saying:
“Look at me. I am the captain now.”

He also praised his opponent, stating:
“Shara is an incredible fighter, and I have no doubt he will be a future UFC champion.”

The win improves Page’s record to 23-3, solidifying his position as a serious contender in the UFC’s middleweight division. It remains to be seen whether he will continue at 185 lbs or return to welterweight.

Meanwhile, Magomedov (15-1) will look to rebuild from his first career loss and resume his rise in the UFC.