UFC middleweight prospect Shara Magomedov has made a big splash since arriving on the scene last year, and landed a big knockout over the weekend.

The hard-hitting Russian is, interestingly, better known for his striking than his wrestling. But he had to show all of his traits in a Performance of the Night against Antonio Trocoli at UFC Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

However, controversy over his grabbing the fence overshadowed parts of the performance. And promotional boss Dana White has indicated that he may be forced to stay fighting in the Middle East going forward.

Dana White says Shara Magomedov ‘probably’ won’t be able to fight in the US after Bo Nickal callout

Shara Magomedov was called out by renowned wrestler Bo Nickal after his win on Saturday night, and appeared keen on the idea. There would be a massive disparity in wrestling experience between the two, but the Russian did note that he is “from Dagestan” when replying to the callout.

However, that fight may have to happen in the Middle East, with White telling the media afterwards that he likely won’t be able to compete in America. There are a number of theories as to why he couldn’t fight in the United States, with the most prominent being that he only has one eye.

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At the post-fight press conference for UFC Saudi Arabia, White was asked whether Magomedov could compete in the promotion on US soil. He replied “Can he? Probably not – we’ll keep him out here.”

Magomedov is believed to be okay to travel to and work in America, and recently landed a movie role that will require him to work Stateside. He told Red Corner MMA: “One of my managers told me about this idea, three shooting days, a short film.

“I will need to fly to Los Angeles. They are going to pay for my visa and all the expenses. I gave it a thought, asked him about the role, he said it was a killer, I decided to take this offer.”

Shara Magomedov given hope of US debut as ‘one-eyed fighter’ tells his story

And while we’re likely never to see Magomedov headline at Madison Square Garden or the T-Mobile Arena, there is still hope that he could fight in America. Dre Miley, a bantamweight who similarly has just one eye, has taken to X to remind White that licencing can be achieved despite the medical issue.

In a tweet directed at commentator and former world champion Michael Bisping, Miley detailed how he has stayed fighting despite his own eye problem. Bisping famously cheated medical exams in order to fight with one eye during the latter stages of his legendary career.

“Hey @bisping can you let @danawhite know that Shara bullet can fight in the states?” Miley tweeted. “I been doing it for years as a guy who literally has one eye! 17 pro fights and counting!”

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Miley holds a professional record of 10-7, and as recently as last year was sanctioned to fight in the state of Tennessee. He has also competed in Michigan and Virginia throughout his career, and has never hidden his lack of an eye.

However, his Bellator debut against Lucas Brennan in 2022 was scuppered due to his not being cleared by the Mohegan Sun’s Athletic Commission. But he is proof that Magomedov may be still able to fight in America in the right state.

Shara Magomedov responds to Bo Nickal’s callout

On Saturday night, top middleweight contender Nickal took to Twitter to write: “Give me bullet”. While he later joked that this was a callout of Valentina ‘Bullet’ Shevchenko; not Magomedov, fans were excited by the prospective matchup.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Asked about the concept of the pair fighting during the post-fight press conference in Riyadh, Magomedov replied: “Yes, Bo Nickal is an interesting opponent, [it’s an] interesting fight. He has good wrestling.

“Wrestling no for me is no problem. I’m from Dagestan, you know brother Russian men, icemen, no problem. Wrestling takedown no problem, dangerous damage, elbow [and] knee – let’s go.”