Michael Page showed Shara Magomedov there are levels to this game.
Despite moving up a weight class and entering Saturday’s contest as a betting underdog, Page outstruck and ultimately befuddled the previously unbeaten Dagestani to win a one-sided unanimous decision in the middleweight co-main event of UFC Saudi Arabia at Anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In a somewhat tepid affair, Page (23-3) led the dance from the opening horn and left Magomedov (15-1) searching for answers for long swathes of the bout with his elusive footwork and trademark bladed karate stance. Magomedov promised in the pre-fight build to stand and trade with “MVP,” and while he stayed true to his word, it was perhaps not the wisest approach as Page landed consistent lunging offense, including several leaping right hands in the first round and a big flying knee in the second.
Magomedov, 30, finally began to find his range in the final frame, opening up more with his kicks and working to chop down the speedy Page, however by then it was too little, too late.
In the end, two judges scored the bout a clean sweep 30-27, while one judge saw the bout 29-28, all awarding the upset victory to the 37-year-old Page in enemy territory.
“Everybody, look at me, look at me — I’m the captain now,” a jovial Page said afterward, alluding to Magomedov’s pirate gimmick.
“One thing I knew coming up [in weight], my body’s not going to be used to this just yet. I felt it a little bit during this fight, so I need to practice a bit more at this weight. But for now, I’ve got some work to do a 170. Guys, make sure you’re watching, because I’m coming.”
With the win, Page moves to 2-1 in the UFC and successfully rebounds from a hard-fought decision loss to Ian Machado Garry this past June, while Magomedov sees his four-fight UFC win streak snapped.
