Michael Page teases Middleweight move, Shara Magomedov slugfest — ‘Just for the fun of it’

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Shara Magomedov isn’t likely scoring the Israel Adesanya match up he wanted, but the unranked Middleweight striker is definitely generating waves. That’s what happens when you live up to the hype on a high-profile event like UFC 308 and win via something ridiculous like a double spinning backfist! People take notice, and Magomedov will likely have his pick of potential opponents for what should be a quick return to action.

Michael “Venom” Page probably isn’t anyone’s first guess as to his next opponent, but why not? In a recent interview with MMAFighting, Page revealed he’s already on weight and would love a chance to fight “The Pirate.”

“Magomedov — he just fought, did the double spinning back [fist] knockout and then he called out my boy Izzy,” Page said. “Mate, I’m at that weight right now. You don’t even have to wait too long. That one there, I’ll just take straight away just for the fun of it.”

He continued, “I’m in shape now, ready to go. So that’s a good fight for me, I think. Just a nice stand up fight for everybody, just to come back to the game. and like I said, leave my boy Izzy alone. He’s trying to get back to the belt, to the throne, so I’ll take his place.”

There’s no arguing this would be an exceptional match up. Magomedov has quickly built up a reputation for himself as an exciting and dangerous kickboxer, but that’s been the “MVP” game for a decade now. He’s just as nasty as Magomedov at distance, and he’s one of the rare athletes who can match Magomedov’s arsenal of flashy strikes.

Spinning backfist vs. flying knee is an easy sell. Unless UFC is intent on booking Magomedov vs. a ranked Middleweight next, it makes great sense. Page didn’t win his last fight versus Ian Garry, but the English veteran did still prove himself a top talent and show he’s a great test for up-and-coming prospects.

Why not Shara?

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