UFC president Dana White recently shared his thoughts on Shara Magomedov’s first loss in the UFC. The Russian middleweight fighter, who had remained undefeated up until his encounter with Michael Page, faced a split-decision defeat against the English fighter. Reflecting on the loss, Magomedov attributed his performance to battling a "nightmarish health condition." White, however, offered a nuanced perspective on the fight and Magomedov's future in the UFC. Let’s dive into what Dana White had to say about Magomedov’s loss.
Dana White's take on Shara Magomedov's first UFC defeat
Dana White provided a candid reaction to Magomedov's first UFC setback, acknowledging the complexity of his match against Michael Page. According to White, it was a challenging fight for Magomedov from the outset.
"You have to be aggressive with Page, but it’s a weird situation to be in because he’s a counter-striker and he sort of sits back and waits for you," White explained. "You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t."
Despite the loss, White remained optimistic about Magomedov’s prospects. The UFC president emphasized that the defeat did not take away from the Russian’s potential, particularly against an opponent like Page, who is known for his unique fighting style. White further stated, "I think styles make fights, and MVP is a very tough style to fight.
" He acknowledged that Page’s counter-striking approach makes him a difficult challenge for anyone in the division, stating that "if you go in guns a’blazing, he’s a real good counter puncher."
Moreover, White pointed out that Magomedov's loss does not diminish his value or future in the UFC, emphasizing that "it had nothing to do with him freezing."
He also referenced Magomedov's physical condition, mentioning that the fighter was struggling with vision impairment, adding, "Let’s not forget: The guy has one eye. That doesn’t help."
In conclusion, Dana White’s reaction reflects his confidence in Shara Magomedov’s resilience and fighting capabilities. Despite the defeat, Magomedov’s stock remains strong, and he is likely to remain a key contender in the middleweight division moving forward.