This is the live blog for Shara “Bullet” Magomedov vs. Michel Pereira, the middleweight co-main event for Saturday’s UFC Baku card at National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Bullet (16-1) recently rebounded from his first loss with a decision win over Marc-Andre Barriault at UFC Abu Dhabi, but it’s been almost a year since the Russian striking specialist has stepped into the octagon. He seeks his sixth UFC win in seven outings for the promotion with the chance to lock a number in next to his name under the revised AI-driven UFC rankings.
His opponent, Pereira (32-14, 2 NC) is also aiming to put together his first win streak since 2024. The near-50-fight veteran suffered through a rough three-fight losing stretch, including two knockout losses, before earning a split decision win over Zachary Reese this past February to stop his skid. “Demolidor” heads into Saturday’s contest as a major underdog, but his unpredictable style has tripped up challenging opponents in the past.
The fighters had to be pulled apart after a physical faceoff Friday and now get to settle their beef in the cage.
Check out the Shara Bullet vs. Michel Pereira live blog below.
Preamble
Is Shara Bullet a true contender? Feels like he’s being given a favorable matchup with the weathered Pereira, but Pereira might still have a few tricks up his sleeve. A finish for Bullet would go a long way towards reigniting his hype.
Always tell me the odds
Shara Magomedov a heavy favorite at -390, per FanDuel. Pereira the underdog at +310.
Round 1
Pereira looking light on his feet as Bullet works to cut off the cage. Jab scores for Pereira. Bullet answers with a sharp inside leg kick. Right hand down the middle puts Bullet on his back, not sure if that was a knockdown or if Bullet was just off-balance. Pereira lands a few good follow-up shots, but Bullet seems to have recovered. Pereira navigates past Bullet’s legs, it looks like he wants to grapple.
According to commentary, that was scored a knockdown, so Bullet has a lot of work to do here. Referee Herb Dean has to step in and admonish Bullet for grabbing Pereira’s hair. No point taken. Pereira working from inside guard. Not much heavy getting through but this has been one-way traffic for Pereira in this round. He’s not letting Bullet breathe. Good patience shown by Bullet though as he sweeps with about 30 seconds left in the round. Pereira keeping a tight guard as time ticks away.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Pereira.
Round 2
Pereira is the one moving back, but he might be leading the dance. Bullet hesitant to throw anything. He sneaks in a nice high kick. Low kicks also scoring for Bullet. Not much volume for Pereira either, he might be hunting for another precise, knockdown shot. Push kick by Bullet lands.
Bullet lands a glancing counter left. Pereira flicks out a few kicks, but he’s struggling in this round. They trade straight punches. Bullet lands a few strikes as Pereira moves in. There has been almost no output from Pereira in this round. Bullet ties it up.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Bullet. Overall, 19-19.
Round 3
Anyone’s fight here. Bullet landing a few light kicks to score. Pereira jabs the body. Glorified staring contest with three minutes to go.
Bullet with a tricky overhand right. Pereira telegraphs a double leg and Bullet easily stuffs it. A finger to Pereira’s eye brings this one to a pause. A couple of minutes break and they’re back on. Pereira lands a couple of outside leg kicks. Right hand for Pereira. He briefly pushes the action. Nice 1-2 by Bullet. Pereira shoots in just as Bullet throws a flying knee, but somehow doesn’t get a takedown, so they just end up mashed against the fence. Bullet lands a body kick with time running low and I think he wins this one just because Pereira didn’t do anything. Plus the unpenalized fouls.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Bullet. Overall, 29-28 Bullet.
Official decision: Shara Bullet def. Michel Pereira via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Post-fight
Bullet, via a Russian translator, calls the fight just a step towards “bigger and better things.”
“I will get this booty. I will get this belt.”
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