'Shara Bullet' surprised to see Sean Strickland become UFC champion

Sharabutdin Magomedov has questioned whether Sean Strickland deserves his middleweight title after watching the champion struggle to replicate his signature flashy style. Strickland, who trains with Magomedov's upcoming opponent Michel Pereira, was recently spotted in sparring trying to mimic "Shara Bullet's" unorthodox movement and striking.

Magomedov dismissed the imitation as superficial. Speaking to Red Corner MMA, he praised Strickland's work ethic and talent but expressed surprise at his rise to champion status. "I don't think he can do it like me," Magomedov said. "But it was kind of an imitation. A pale imitation, though. It would be very different in an actual fight… Sean Strickland is actually a very interesting fighter. I always get surprised when fighters like him become champions. But he is a hard worker, a native talent. I just want to ask my fans, 'Don't you think I could beat Sean Strickland and become the champion?'"

Magomedov (16–1) carries a 5–1 UFC record with his sole setback against Michael Page. He has rebounded from that loss with a decision victory over Marc-Andre Barriault. His next bout comes against Pereira (32–14) at UFC Baku on June 27 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Pereira, who recently snapped a three-fight skid with an upset win over Zachary Reese, will be a notable test before Magomedov can pursue any title ambitions.