Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen isn’t worried about some of the holes in middleweight prospect Shara Magomedov’s game just yet.
Magomedov has enjoyed a strong summer inside the cage, building on his successful UFC debut last October with a further two victories in the Middle East, both of which netted him an additional $50,000.
After stopping replacement opponent Antonio Trócoli in Saudi Arabia this past June, the undefeated “Bullet” returned for a short-notice co-headliner against Michał Oleksiejczuk at this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi.
The 30-year-old Dagestani’s usual array of striking weapons were on display across three rounds, as he outpointed his Polish opponent on all three scorecards in the event’s Fight of the Night.
But while Magomedov extended his undefeated record to 14-0, the up-and-comer isn’t short on doubters, many of whom have suggested he will fall to defeat when faced with one of the division’s talented grapplers.
Although that might be the case currently, Sonnen isn’t counting out Magomedov when it comes to rounding out his skillset in the coming months and years.
Sonnen: Magomedov Belongs ‘In Big Fights’ & ‘On Posters’
During the latest episode of his Good Guy / Bad Guy show alongside Daniel Cormier on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel, Sonnen gave his assessment of Magomedov’s latest performance on MMA’s biggest stage.
“The American Gangster” had plenty of praise for Magomedov’s aura and watchability but admitted he doesn’t see a prospect with the kind of skillset boasted by some others.
That, however, is something he is confident can be rectified moving forward, pointing to the evolution of previously one-dimensional athletes such as Israel Adesanya as evidence that a well-rounded arsenal could be to come for Magomedov.
“When he comes on TV, there’s something happening. … He captivates me,” Sonnen said. “This guy is already a co-main event. That is an incredible career. He’s amassing a great record — because I’m not seeing all the skills there. In all fairness, I don’t watch him and go, ‘Wow, where has this guy been?’ I think that Bo Nickal would be the counterpart to that, where you watch him and go, ‘Wow, this guy sure looks well rounded. He sure appears to have a little bit of everything for being a new guy on the scene.’ I’m not seeing it with (Magomedov).
“When I look at ‘Bullet,’ he belongs in big fights. There’s something special. He belongs on posters. I’m interested. I want to see this guy, I want to hear from this guy, and I want to learn from this guy,” Sonnen continued. “As far as the skills, I think he’s learning on the job, and he’s not the first guy that’s had to. Israel Adesanya’s about a complete fighter as you’re gonna find; he wasn’t on day one. … So if ‘Bullet’ is open to learning, if he can absorb and if he can take the criticism that we’re giving him right now, he’s gonna have a fun future.”
In addition to some doubting his overall skillset, Magomedov also came under criticism for his post-fight callout in Abu Dhabi this weekend. The undefeated Russian had the name of Nick Diaz on his lips, who hasn’t recorded a win since 2011 and was most recently defeated by Robbie Lawler in 2021.
Regardless, “Bullet” has done what is required of him inside the Octagon to date, and he’ll hope to continue that trend against whomever the promotion places opposite him next time out.
