Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has recently spoken out regarding the rising star in the middleweight division, Sharaputdin Magomedov, after the fighter made headlines with a bold challenge to Israel Adesanya following his impressive performance at UFC 308. Magomedov, who boasts an undefeated record of 15-0 in MMA and 4-0 in the UFC, secured a second-round TKO victory over Armen Petrosyan, asserting dominance by claiming to be the best striker in the division. While his performance showcased remarkable skills, including effective footwork and creative striking, Usman advised Magomedov to temper his ambitions and take a step back, emphasizing the need for more experience and preparation before targeting a former champion like Adesanya.
The warning from Usman was underscored by his description of Magomedov’s fight with Petrosyan, where, despite ultimately securing the TKO finish, the Russian fighter faced challenges in the earlier rounds, suggesting that he may not yet be ready for the elite competition represented by Adesanya. Usman pointed to Magomedov’s unorthodox strikes, such as spinning backfists, which may have contributed to the victory but also noted how they demonstrate a need for refinement against top-tier opponents. In parallel, Henry Cejudo, a former two-division champion, backed Usman’s caution, suggesting that Adesanya’s striking ability could present significant challenges for Magomedov and that he might need to mature further in his fighting before chasing such high-profile matchups.
Magomedov’s call-out of Adesanya appeared to arise from a longstanding connection between the two fighters that dates back to their kickboxing days in China. In his post-fight statements, Magomedov expressed a desire to finally face Adesanya in the octagon, suggesting that their past encounters in kickboxing had paved the way for this challenge. He also mentioned a victory over Adesanya’s former training partner, Blood Diamond, framing himself as an accomplished striker ready to take on the challenge of fighting a former champion in MMA. This narrative emphasizes Magomedov’s determination and ambition as he seeks to establish himself in the middleweight ranks.
The context of Anesanya’s recent performances adds further intrigue to this potential matchup; the former champion is currently undergoing a rough patch, having lost his last two bouts. He recently lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland and faced another setback against current champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305. Adesanya’s response to Magomedov’s call-out, made during a live stream where he instructed him to "keep my name out of your f**king mouth," unambiguously shows that he isn’t interested in engaging with the rising fighter just yet and serves as a reminder that Magomedov may have to earn his place before stepping into the ring with a fighter of Adesanya’s caliber.
Despite his determination to fight Adesanya, it appears that Magomedov may need to further his credentials by competing against more seasoned contenders in the division before securing such a high-profile matchup. Observers suggest that fights against well-established fighters like Michel Pereira or Kevin Holland could serve as vital steps for him in demonstrating his skills against higher-ranked competition. This pathway would not only test his abilities but also enhance his standing in the division, making the potential fight with Adesanya more attractive to fans and matchmakers alike.
In summary, while Sharaputdin Magomedov is clearly a rising talent with aspirations of climbing to the top of the middleweight division, both Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo have underscored the importance of caution and the value of experience in mixed martial arts. With his eye on challenging Israel Adesanya and a firm belief in his striking ability, Magomedov must balance ambition with strategic planning in his quest for success in the UFC, ensuring he is adequately prepared to face the challenges that come with competing against elite fighters in one of the sport’s most competitive divisions.
