Shara Bullet breaks down UFC Baku comeback victory over Michel Pereira: ‘He would have to kill me’

Shara Magomedov delivered a comeback victory over Michel Pereira in the co-main event of UFC Baku, bouncing back from an early knockdown to secure a unanimous decision win.

Pereira dropped Magomedov with a right hand in the opening round, but the Russian middleweight weathered the storm and took control over the following two rounds with superior work rate. At the post-fight press conference, Magomedov credited his resilience and refusal to be discouraged, explaining that he recognized Pereira's momentum and turned it into an opportunity to capitalize with his own offense.

Following the first-round scare, the fight's intensity dropped considerably. Magomedov noted that Pereira, like many of his opponents, resorted to wrestling and takedown attempts rather than engaging in a striking exchange. He adjusted his strategy accordingly, shifting from combination punches to single or double shots while landing notable knees that he felt could have ended the contest.

Now riding a two-fight winning streak, Magomedov expressed eagerness to face a ranked opponent next. He deflected calls for a matchup with two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, deferring to fellow fighter Abus Magomedov, who had called out Adesanya earlier in the card. "The Pirate," as he's known, stated his willingness to fight anyone in the top 5, 10, or 15, emphasizing his competitive nature and appreciation for the opportunities the UFC has provided him.