LAS VEGAS – Abus Magomedov hears the noise and criticism around him getting a UFC on ESPN 47 headlining spot despite just one fight with the promotion. However, he’s not bothered.
“I can understand the guys who said (I shouldn’t be here),” Magomedov told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 47 media day. “But after the fight, they all will be quiet.”
After scoring a 19-second knockout win in his octagon debut, Magomedov (25-4-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) got a big push into a middleweight main event with divisional contender Strickland (26-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC), which takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex and airs on ESPN/streams on ESPN+.
Magomedov knows it’s a significant step up in competition and will be revealing about where he stands in the 185-pound hierarchy. However, he sees Strickland as a beatable opponent.
“He’s tough guy,” Magomedov said. “Tough opponent. He have a lot of experience with five-round fights. He fought already against really tough guys. But Saturday night, it will be my night. … My goal is always to finish the fight as early as possible. To get the KO. This is my goal. I will try on Saturday to do the same.”
Although Magomedov said he doesn’t care about any negative feedback toward the UFC or himself for being in this position so early in his tenure with the organization, he does want to prove the UFC brass was correct in giving him the opportunity.
“There’s a little bit of pressure, maybe, the UFC believed in you and give you big chance,” Magomedov said. “For me, it’s pushed me and motivates me. This was my goal to get main event, to get chance to become champion some day.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 47.
