Shara “Bullet” Magomedov had a couple of dicey moments but otherwise he bloodied and battered Marc-Andre Barriault across three rounds to win a unanimous decision at UFC Abu Dhabi.
The striking acumen was once again on display as Magomedov hammered Barriault with leg kicks, body kicks and even a few elbows to the head, which may have done the most damage in the fight. While Barriault hung tough and never went away, he just coulnd’t do the necessary damage to stop Magomedov’s striking attacks.
In the
end, all three judges saw the fight 30-27 as Magomedov bounces back from his first professional loss and looks impressive doing so.
“Inshallah, I will become champion,” Magomedov shouted to the crowd. “I’m very strong, hard training [for] this fight. I’m very happy. This fight I’m healthy. Today, I’m happy. My opponent was very strong. Very hard fighter. It doesn’t matter [who’s next]. I’m very [motivated]. I’m not going to repeat my mistakes again.”
Dancing on the outside, Magomedov launched a couple of blistering kicks to the legs that had Barriault shooting for a takedown. He found success momentarily but Magomedov was quick to work his way back ot the feet, although Barriault was still battling to take him to the canvas.
When he got some separation, Magomedov continued to batter the legs with kicks and then going to the body to keep Barriault guessing. During one exchange, Magomedov unloaded an elbow that sliced open Barriault on the top of the head as blood began pouring down his face.
Just as it looked like Magomedov was taking over, Barriault blasted the Russian with a stiff shot that landed clean. Magomedov appeared rattled and Barriault got even more aggressive as he began unloading punches in succession.
One of the shots cracked Magomedov in the nose and he also began bleeding profusely but unlike the gash on Barriault’s head, this one affected the breathing. Still, Magomedov kept putting on pressure until he finally connected with a punch that wobbled Barriault.
Magomedov seized on the opening with a barrage of shots in an attempt to get the finish but Barriault survived to see the third and final round.
A jumping knee opened the action with Magomedov then fending off another takedown attempt from Barriault. Magomedov then blasted Barriault with some nasty inside elbows and still throwing knees up the middle to deter his opponent from getting too aggressive.
As time ticked away, Magomedov saw his confidence soar as he battered Barriault with a variety of strikes including several more nasty knees up the middle. Barriault finally hit the ground from the damage done but he survived to the final horn, although Magomedov had clearly done more than enough to win.
Now 16-1 in his career, Magomedov remains a top prospect to watch for the future, especially after another dazzling performance on Saturday.
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