Michael Page’s Movement Took the Sting Out of Shara
Michael “Venom” Page defeated Shara Magomedov by unanimous decision in Riyadh on February 1, 2025. The middleweight co-main event at anb Arena ended with scores of 30–27, 30–27 and 29–28, handing Magomedov his first professional MMA defeat.
Timing and distance disrupted Magomedov’s offense
Page used his familiar low-handed stance, quick entries and defensive movement to land while limiting the return attacks. His changes of distance repeatedly prevented Magomedov from establishing a comfortable striking rhythm.
The contest remained a standing tactical battle rather than developing into an exchange of sustained combinations. Page’s efficiency and timing supplied the clearer scoring moments over three rounds.
The move followed two welterweight appearances
Page had made his UFC debut against Kevin Holland in March 2024, winning a unanimous decision. He then lost a decision to Ian Machado Garry that June, leaving him with one victory and one defeat in the promotion.
Facing Magomedov moved him into the middleweight division for his third UFC assignment. The successful result demonstrated that his unusual striking approach could still create problems against a larger opponent.
A clear verdict restored winning momentum
Two judges awarded Page all three rounds, while the remaining official gave him two. The unanimous outcome therefore reflected agreement about the winner despite a difference over one round.
Page later added a unanimous-decision victory against Jared Cannonier in August 2025. The Riyadh performance had supplied the starting point for that renewed momentum, combining a successful change of weight class with a win over an unbeaten opponent.
Sources
- UFC: movement, striking efficiency and Magomedov’s first loss
- UFC: Holland, Garry, Magomedov and Cannonier results
- UFC: official decision and Riyadh event details
