Michael Page barely wanted 5 minutes to determine “Shara Bullet.”
The UFC Saudi Arabia co-main occasion noticed Web page hand Shara Magomedov his first loss as he put together a complete three-round performance that had the beforehand unbeaten fighter trying puzzled as to the right way to strategy Web page. “MVP” added yet one more putting clinic to a profession filled with them and later informed reporters that he knew the sport was in hand after a couple of exchanges within the opening spherical.
“Earlier than even the tip of Spherical 1, I knew he was by no means going to do something to beat me as a result of he was solely going to need to strike,” Web page mentioned at the event’s post-fight press conference. “I nonetheless really feel like I used to be just a bit bit too hesitant. Straightaway, I might really feel that he was second-guessing numerous himself, so I knew I used to be going to take that battle.”
Previous to going through Web page, Magomedov was 15-0 as a professional and 4-0 within the UFC. His most up-to-date win ended with a stunning double spinning backfist knockout of Armen Petrosyan, a sequence that had Magomedov on the quick observe to a title shot.
Nevertheless, none of Magomedov’s dazzling methods have been on show towards Web page, a proven fact that Web page attributes extra to his means to neutralize his foes than any shortcomings on Magomedov’s half.
“He’s nonetheless an distinctive striker,” Web page mentioned. “I might by no means take that away from him. The rationale why folks felt like that’s due to what they see, what he does within the cage. He’s an distinctive fighter, however the purpose I referred to as him out is as a result of for me, with my expertise, years and years of expertise, I’ve seen that type earlier than and I knew what I might do with that type, which is why he didn’t look as spectacular as we speak.
“Does it take something away from him? No, I might by no means say that man’s not a superb fighter. He’s superb.”
As happy as Web page is along with his newest efficiency, he’s nonetheless but to discover a end in three UFC appearances. Throughout his run with Bellator from 2014-2023, Web page developed a status for highlight-reel finishes accompanied by viral celebrations.
Web page admitted his time within the UFC has confirmed more difficult than anticipated, however that followers will see him again in ending kind quickly.
“I didn’t assume this in the beginning, however I’m beginning to assume it a bit extra now, there’s an impact of being within the UFC,” Web page mentioned. “The magnitude of UFC model, the occasion, I feel that’s what’s form of nonetheless weighing on me just a little bit and it’s making me just a little bit extra hesitant whereas earlier than, once I was at Bellator, there was no hesitation. I used to be in there, I used to be very positive of myself. I don’t know if it’s I’m wanting it an excessive amount of, I’m second-guessing myself, I don’t know what it’s, however there’s undoubtedly a UFC impact. However the extra comfy I get, the extra you’re going to see the outdated ‘MVP.’”
