In a recent interview, Shara Magomedov discussed his upcoming matchup with Michael "Venom" Page at UFC Saudi Arabia, predicting that the British striker will look to rely on takedowns rather than a pure stand-up battle. Magomedov suggested Page will switch to a more wrestling-heavy approach once he feels his power and pressure. The Russian middleweight framed the stylistic clash as a test of whether Page can handle his striking arsenal. The comments add intrigue to their June encounter and highlight Magomedov’s confidence in forcing MVP out of his comfort zone.
Shara Magomedov has gone on record predicting that Michael "Venom" Page will abandon his trademark striking style when the two middleweights collide at UFC Saudi Arabia, suggesting the British fighter will lean on wrestling once he feels the Russian's power and pressure.
Magomedov, who fights out of Gorets Fight Club, carries a 17-1-0 professional record into the matchup and has established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the 185-pound division. The 32-year-old from Russia stands six-foot-two with a 73-inch reach and lands a remarkable 5.93 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy — numbers that place him among the division's elite in both volume and efficiency. Known by the nickname "Bullet," he has framed the June contest as a litmus test for whether Page can withstand his striking arsenal at all.
In the interview, Magomedov argued that once Page registers his power, the British standout will shift away from a pure stand-up exchange and instead seek takedowns to neutralize the threat. The prediction carries an implicit confidence: that his striking alone is enough to redirect an opponent's entire game plan.
Why it matters
- Page built his reputation as a flamboyant striker, so Magomedov's claim that he will be forced to wrestle is a direct challenge to that identity
- If Magomedov is correct, the fight becomes a wrestling-versus-striking contest rather than the flashy stand-up showcase many expected
- A win for either fighter at a high-profile event like UFC Saudi Arabia would carry significant divisional weight at middleweight
