No USA fights for ‘one-eyed pirate’ Sharaputdin Magomedov, says Dana White

Dana White has bad news for Sharaputdin Magomedov's aspiration to compete in the US.

No USA fights for ‘one-eyed pirate’ Sharaputdin Magomedov, says Dana White

Dana White has some bad news for Sharaputdin Magomedov (via Imago/ Sports Illustrated)

Fighters often face challenges inside the octagon in MMA. For Sharaputdin ‘Bullet’ Magomedov, however, the biggest hurdle might be outside the cage. UFC CEO Dana White recently dropped a bombshell, revealing that Magomedov might never be able to fight on American soil.

The undefeated Russian middleweight made waves at UFC Saudi Arabia with a spectacular performance. Magomedov’s third-round knockout of Antonio Trocoli left fans and analysts excitedly buzzing. However, this revelation from Dana White was an ‘eye-opener’ for the MMA community. 

Can he [fight in the US]? Probably not – we’ll keep him out here.
Dana White at the UFC Saudi Arabia post-fight press conference
YouTube video

The reason for this is due to his vision problem. As fight fans know, Magomedov is blind in one eye. This might be the culprit behind his inability to fight in the US. Presumably, due to his half-blindness, Shara would struggle to get sanctioned to fight in any US state. So, the UFC CEO is content with keeping his fights around the Middle East.

FS Video

This news came as a disappointment to many. Even undefeated prospect Bo Nickal had called out Magomedov after his recent win at UFC Saudi Arabia. The duo had some back-and-forth words earlier this year. However, Nickal recently revealed that he was uncomfortable traveling far to fight. This matchup might remain just a dream, but fight fans may get to see another matchup sooner rather than later.

Sharaputdin Magomedov has a new opponent in mind

Fighters in the UFC are always looking for their next big challenge. Sharaputdin ‘Bullet’ Magomedov, the rising star from Dagestan, is no exception. He is fresh off his impressive victory at UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia. As such, Magomedov has now set his sights on a new target. 

Sharaputdin Magomedov wants Kevin Holland next
Sharaputdin Magomedov wants Kevin Holland next (via MMA Mania/ MMA Fighting)

The undefeated middleweight is calling out none other than Kevin Holland for a showdown.  Magomedov didn’t waste time making his intentions clear. In a backstage interview, he issued a challenge that echoed through the MMA world.

Kevin Holland, let’s go fighting.
Sharaputdin Magomedov via Red Corner MMA

The one-eyed Magomedov‘s journey to this point hasn’t been without its hurdles. His original opponent for UFC Saudi Arabia was changed not once but twice. First, Ihor Potieria jumped ship for a fight at UFC 301. Then, Joilton Lutterbach failed drug tests and admitted to using banned substances.

He ultimately faced and spectacularly defeated Antonio Trocoli. It remains to be seen if Kevin Holland would want to take up the matchup. If he does, it won’t happen in the US. As such, Holland will have to compete in Abu Dhabi and other regions outside the US.

in case you missed it: