ABU DHABI – Shara Magomedov thinks a fight with Nick Diaz would help build his name.
Magomedov (14-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) remained unbeaten when he outlasted Michal Oleksiejczuk (19-9 MMA, 7-7 UFC) in a Fight of the Night effort in Saturday’s UFC on ABC 7 co-main event at Etihad Arena.
Magomedov called out Diaz, who was scheduled to face Vicente Luque on the same card before pulling out due to travel issues. Magomedov was essentially placed on the card after Diaz’s fight was canceled.
“He was supposed to be here, he was supposed to fight in the co-main event,” Magomedov told reporters, including MMA Junkie at the post-fight news conference. “Instead, I substituted him, he wasn’t able to fight. I think it’s not just for nothing, there’s a reason for that.
“I think I’d be honored to fight someone like him. I want to show that if I beat a big name like that, that’s what I need to fly up, to become super popular. So, that’s the last thing I need is just somebody with a huge name like him. I think it’s going to help me become a huge superstar.”
Dana White isn’t too confident Diaz returns in 2024. So, if not Diaz, Magomedov just hopes to draw a big name for the Oct. 26 card at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.
“I’d have to think about it,” Magomedov said. “I’d love a big name, somebody with a big name, somebody who’s ready to fight me in October, stand up. I’m happy to fight somebody big. We’ll see what the UFC prepares for me, but I’d like to have somebody with a big name.”
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