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 best way to strategy Web page. “MVP” added one more placing clinic to a profession stuffed with them and later advised reporters that he knew the sport was in hand after just a few 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 wish 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 plenty of himself, so I knew I used to be going to take that combat.”
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 monitor to a title shot.
Nevertheless, none of Magomedov’s dazzling methods had been on show in opposition to Web page, a proven fact that Web page attributes extra to his potential to neutralize his foes than any shortcomings on Magomedov’s half.
“He’s nonetheless an distinctive striker,” Web page mentioned. “I’d by no means take that away from him. The explanation why folks felt like that’s due to what they see, what he does within the cage. He’s an distinctive fighter, however the motive I known as him out is as a result of for me, with my expertise, years and years of expertise, I’ve seen that model earlier than and I knew what I might do with that model, which is why he didn’t look as spectacular in the present day.
“Does it take something away from him? No, I’d by no means say that man’s not a very good fighter. He’s superb.”
As happy as Web page is together 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 tougher than anticipated, however that followers will see him again in ending type quickly.
“I didn’t assume this originally, 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 believe that’s what’s type of nonetheless weighing on me a bit bit and it’s making me a bit 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 positively a UFC impact. However the extra snug I get, the extra you’re going to see the previous ‘MVP.’”
