Abu Dhabi: Rising UFC middleweight Shara “Bullet” Magomedov says a personal phone call from football legend Cristiano Ronaldo helped him bounce back from the toughest setback of his MMA career — a first UFC loss to Michael “Venom” Page.
The flamboyant Dagestani striker returns to the Octagon on July 26 at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, where he will face Canadian fighter Marc-André Barriault. Speaking through an interpreter ahead of the bout, Magomedov told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) that a meeting with Ronaldo before the Page fight gave him a major emotional lift — even though he wasn’t at full fitness.
Ronaldo gave me motivation. But I was not completely healthy for that fight. After the loss, he called me and said, ‘It’s okay, don’t think about it. It’s just one loss. Train and fight again — when you win next time, this will be forgotten.’
Magomedov said
The message struck a chord with the 30-year-old, known for his explosive striking and theatrical style. Magomedov (4-1 UFC) had earned three Fight of the Night bonuses before that defeat and now promises a more focused, professional approach in Abu Dhabi.
“Before, I treated it like a hobby,” he admitted. “Now, this is professional work. I want to show all my arsenal — and take a double bonus.”
Magomedov also spoke of his admiration for fellow Dagestani great Khabib Nurmagomedov, whose grappling mastery contrasts with Shara’s crowd-pleasing stand-up game.
I met Khabib in Dubai. I listened to what he said. I try to follow his advice. He’s a great guy for all of us from Dagestan. He’s a wrestler, I’m a striker — but I respect his way.
Magomedov said
Despite stylistic differences, Magomedov insists he’s ready for the constant pressure of Barriault, who is coming off a win over Bruno Silva — the same opponent Shara knocked out in his UFC debut.
“Marc is like a firefighter, always forward. But I have an answer for every situation,” he said.
With words of encouragement from Ronaldo and wisdom from Khabib, Shara Magomedov’s return could be one of the highlights of UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi.