Michael ‘Venom’ Page illustrates how potential Shara Magomedov fight will differ from first two UFC tests

UFC welterweight contender Michael “Venom” Page believes Shara Magomedov presents a different test than his two previous opponents in the Octagon.

Michael 'Venom' Page's karate style has given his opponents fits throughout his MMA career, and has led to many of his foes implementing a grappling-first game plan. Ahead of a potential clash with Shara Magomedov, Page expects a different approach when they meet in the Octagon.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Page and Magomedov have been teasing a potential UFC Saudi Arabia booking in recent weeks. One of the most promising stars in the middleweight division, Magomedov is coming off another impressive knockout at UFC 308.

Speculation is rife as to whether or not Page will make the move up to 185 pounds for a potential fight with Magomedov. If both sides sign on the dotted line, the fight would be a fan-friendly encounter, featuring two of the most dangerous stand-up specialists in the UFC today.

But fighters have taken advantage of Page's mediocre wrestling in his last few outings. While most of his former opponents vowed to knock him out and keep him on his feet, many fights have started with takedown attempts and wrestling bouts.

Page isn't too concerned about that possibility with Magomedov.

Photos by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Michael 'Venom' Page believes Shara Magomedov will not become a wrestler in their fight

In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, Page explained how Magomedov offers a different challenge than most of his previous opponents.

“For me, the amount of times people have talked about how they're going to knock me out, the better striker, and the same thing happens over and over again,” Page said. “Like Paul Daley, Ian Garry, so many people who want to grab me because it's just different when I'm in front of you…

“At the same time, I honestly believe he will have a lot of confidence in his ability to strike. He doesn't look great on the floor, I'm sure he's capable… but I agree it will be fireworks until the fight, and then he might make some different decisions. But if he doesn't, great, let's make it a stand-up fight!”

After teasing a stand-up war for weeks, Ian Machado Garry took a wrestling-first approach in his matchup with Page. Garry went on to win the fight by unanimous decision at UFC 303.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Michael 'Venom' Page and Shara Magomedov are two of the best strikers in the UFC

After a long, decorated career with Bellator, Page signed with the UFC earlier this year. He made his UFC debut at UFC 299, defeating fan favorite Kevin Holland by unanimous decision.

A largely dominant victory over Holand was followed by a loss to Garry, which temporarily halted his UFC title aspirations. A win over an opponent of Magomedov's caliber would be enough to get him back into the mix at both welterweight and potential middleweight.

Magomedov knocked out Armen Petrosyan last month at UFC 308. He is undefeated in his MMA career with recent victories over Bruno Silva, Antonio Trócoli and Michal Oleksiejczuk.

The UFC is scheduled to return to Riyadh on February 1 for a UFC Fight Night event. Page vs. Magomedov could potentially be booked for the event if Page is serious about moving up to middleweight.

For now, a standout fan's delight remains in Page vs. Magomedov a dream, although we could get a definitive answer about the match in the coming weeks.

Related posts