Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov names the five fighters he would like to face next after UFC Saudi Arabia

Shara Magomedov returns to action at UFC Saudi Arabia

It says a lot about a fighter when he can appear on the main card of a huge UFC Fight Night in his second fight with the promotion; with the undefeated Russian bursting onto the scene in October 2023 with a dominant victory over Bruno Silva.

With 10 of his 12 professional wins coming via KO/TKO, it’s a safe bet that the ‘Bullet’ will be firing on all cylinders when he steps into the octagon against short-term replacement Trocoli.

But with many within the MMA community touting Magomedov as a future challenger for the middleweight title, he should then score a statement victory in Saudi Arabia. Who could the 30-year-old call up for his next fight?

The undefeated ‘Bullet’ names potential next opponents after UFC Saudi Arabia

Via the Red Corner MMA YouTube channel, Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov revealed that he would have jumped at the chance to face former middleweight king Robert Whittaker; the UFC had called him as a replacement for the ill Khamzat Chimaev.

“There was no offer, but we thought about it… Whittaker is the kind of opponent I would like to fight in the final, he is a tough and experienced opponent. He is a good striker and can wrestle well. He is a serious opponent and I would like to fight him for the title.”

Even with another viral finish, it’s highly unlikely that Magomedov would get that fight with ‘The Reaper’ – luckily ‘Bullet’ also threw out a slew of names for who he could face next; even though some are more realistic than others.

“Michel Pereira… Kevin Holland, Nick Diaz, Ihor Potieria, (or) Sedriques Dumas, who just withdrew from his fight. All the guys I know, I don’t know the whole squad.

When you look at this list, there are a few things that need to be clarified right away.

Michel Pereira has not booked his next fight and currently holds the #13 ranking, although the Brazilian is unlikely to fight up the ladder again given his impressive eight-fight winning streak.

Likewise, Nick Diaz is already booked to fight Vicente Luque in August; and that fight is probably his retirement fight.

While Kevin Holland is known for fighting anyone, anywhere, anytime; he could very well have other plans in mind after his Performance of the Night at UFC 302 earlier this month.

In reality, the two most likely next opponents might be the last two names Magomedov mentions; with Ihor Poteiria previously facing ‘Bullet’, and Sedriques Dumas also withdrawing from his own fight at UFC Saudi Arabia – both awaiting their next fight offers.

Unsurprisingly, Magomedov is also excited about the rather far-fetched idea of ​​welcoming Conor McGregor to the middleweight division, after the Irish superstar teased an eventual move to 185 pounds.

“Conor tweeted something about fighting at middleweight. I’m ready to welcome him because this weight class is full of guys like me. Our fight would be interesting to viewers all over the world; he likes punching and hates Dagestani wrestling, so let’s go. I’m here.”

Shara Magomedov steps back into the octagon this weekend for UFC Saudi Arabia, live from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on June 22.

Related topics