Abus Magomedov on Why He Chose Stand-Up Over Dagestani Wrestling

Abus Magomedov, a promising UFC middleweight fighter, will face off against Michel Pereira, currently ranked 14th in the division, at UFC Kansas City. This highly anticipated match will showcase two fighters with unique styles and strategies.

A Unique Fighting Style in the UFC Middleweight Division

Although Abus Magomedov hails from Dagestan — a region known for producing top-tier wrestlers like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev — he has taken a different approach to MMA. While most of his countrymen favor a wrestling-heavy game, Magomedov prefers a stand-up fighting style, focusing on striking and knockout (KO) finishes.

“I prefer stand-up fighting because that style is most exciting for fans. Everyone wants to see a KO result,” Magomedov explained during a virtual interview. His preference for a striking-based approach sets him apart in a division dominated by wrestlers and grapplers.

Magomedov’s Path from Dagestan to Germany

Magomedov’s journey to MMA success was shaped by his move to Germany at the age of 14-15. This transition not only influenced his lifestyle but also molded his fighting style. Moving from Dagestan, a region renowned for its wrestling culture, to Germany exposed him to a variety of martial arts, allowing him to adopt a more diverse fighting strategy. The German fighting scene, with its emphasis on striking, has played a significant role in Magomedov’s evolution as a fighter.

In his early years in Germany, Abus found a new perspective on MMA, honing his skills in a more striking-oriented environment. The switch from a primarily wrestling-focused background to a stand-up style has helped him differentiate himself from many of his Dagestani counterparts in the UFC.

UFC Kansas City: What to Expect from the Fight

Magomedov’s upcoming battle with Michel Pereira promises to be an exciting clash of styles. Pereira, known for his explosive and acrobatic striking, will certainly test Abus’s stand-up skills. With both fighters eager to make a statement in the middleweight division, UFC Kansas City will be a stage where fireworks are likely to fly.

The matchup is set to be a thrilling showcase of Magomedov’s power and Pereira’s unorthodox striking techniques. Fans can expect an action-packed fight that highlights the contrast between Magomedov’s tactical striking and Pereira’s dynamic approach.

Abus Magomedov’s Stand-Up Fighting Philosophy

Magomedov’s dedication to stand-up fighting stems from his belief in the excitement it brings to fans. While many fighters in his weight class rely on their wrestling or grappling skills, Abus’s preference for knocking out opponents sets him apart in the crowded middleweight division.

By prioritizing stand-up fighting, Magomedov aims to entertain fans with his striking prowess and his ability to finish fights quickly. This approach has garnered him attention and earned him a reputation as a knockout artist in the UFC. His fearlessness in the octagon and commitment to the striking game make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.

The Influence of Dagestan on His Early Career

While Abus may have taken a different path than many of his Dagestani counterparts, the region’s strong wrestling culture has still influenced his early development as a fighter. Growing up in a region that produced some of the greatest wrestlers in MMA history, Magomedov couldn’t avoid the wrestling influence entirely. However, his move to Germany helped him discover his own style, ultimately leading him to embrace the stand-up approach he’s known for today.

Why Magomedov Prefers Stand-Up Over Wrestling

Magomedov’s choice to focus on stand-up fighting over wrestling has a lot to do with his desire to provide thrilling performances for his fans. In a world where submission-heavy fights and ground control often dominate, Abus wants to keep his fights exciting by going for the knockout. His belief that striking creates the most electrifying moments in MMA is central to his fighting philosophy.

As he prepares for UFC Kansas City, fans can expect Magomedov to bring his best striking game to the octagon. His contrasting approach to his Dagestani roots makes him an intriguing fighter in the middleweight division, and his upcoming fight against Michel Pereira is sure to be one that leaves fans talking.