Shara Magomedov believes that he could end up competing with Alex Pereira later this year – but not in the UFC.
The beloved Russian middleweight is plotting his own return to the octagon for later this year, with Macau in May his preferred comeback. His most recent fight saw him return to winning ways against Marc-André Barriault back in July in Abu Dhabi, suffering a broken nose in the process.
Would you like to see a rematch between Arman Tsarukyan and Shara Magomedov
After a draw in their grappling match, how about an MMA fight between Tsarukyan and Shara Bullet? Do you want to see it?
But Magomedov made headlines around New Year’s time when he faced lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan in a brief grappling match on Hype FC. And after securing a draw against the wrestling ace, he wants a physically much bigger challenge.
Shara Magomedov says he has ‘agreements’ with Alex Pereira for grappling match
When Shara Magomedov grappled with Arman Tsarukyan, there were a number of massive stars lined up to get involved. This even included Hollywood star Tom Hardy, who was approached about facing the lightweight contender before ‘Shara Bullet’ signed up.
And after all of the headlines that Magomedov v Tsarukyan made, the IBA [International Boxing Association] are eyeing a potential grappling match between the Russian and Alex Pereira for an event later this year.
Speaking with Red Corner MMA, Magomedov said: “We presented Umar Kremlev [IBA President] the idea of my grappling match with Alex Pereira as we have some agreements with him but he has a very important fight scheduled.
“So after this fight our grappling match with Alex Pereira is very possible. Why not? It’s very exciting to see two strikers, two Muay Thai fighters face each other. And I think the fact I was born in Dagestan will help me.”
Alex Pereira reportedly plots move to heavyweight
There would be the small matter of weight for the match if it were to happen, but generally grappling bouts are not as strict with their divisions. Pereira is reported to be moving up yet again, and tipped the scales at 242lb in a recent video.
Who should Alex Pereira fight next?
Should he defend the light-heavyweight title, or do you want to see him make an historic move up to heavyweight?
Magomedov is a middleweight, but did take on lightweight Tsarukyan last time out. And it remains to be seen if he would bulk up or simply not bother with a weight cut in order to get in the ring for a grappling match with Pereira.
At one point, the Brazilian used to make 185lb. But after losing his first title defense, he quickly moved up to 205lb where he has found a home in recent years, becoming one of the most dominant champions in history over two reigns.
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