Cristiano Ronaldo's Motivational Call Inspired Shara Magomedov After UFC Defeat
Shara "Bullet" Magomedov has revealed that a personal phone call from football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in his mental recovery following his first professional MMA loss earlier this year. The rising UFC middleweight contender confirmed in recent interviews that Ronaldo's words of encouragement helped him refocus and prepare for his upcoming fight.
Ronaldo's Advice: "Train and Fight Again"
According to Magomedov, Ronaldo contacted him after his defeat to Michael "Venom" Page, offering words of support and urging him to move forward. Ronaldo reportedly said, "It's okay, don't think about it. It's just one loss. Train and fight again — when you win next time, this will be forgotten." This pep talk proved instrumental in helping Magomedov regain his confidence and motivation.
Magomedov Set to Return at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi
Magomedov is scheduled to return to the Octagon on July 26, 2025, at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. He will face Canadian fighter Marc-André Barriault in a highly anticipated matchup. This fight marks Magomedov's immediate return following his loss to Page and is seen as a crucial opportunity for him to bounce back and re-establish his position in the middleweight division.
Shift in Mindset: From Hobby to Profession
In the lead-up to his fight against Barriault, Magomedov has openly discussed a significant shift in his approach to his MMA career. He admitted that he had previously treated fighting "like a hobby" but is now committed to a more focused and professional mindset. Magomedov aims to showcase his complete skillset and secure a double bonus in his upcoming bout, indicating his determination to make a statement.
Health Update: Magomedov Feeling Better Prepared
Magomedov also addressed his health, acknowledging that he wasn't at his peak fitness for the fight against Michael Page, which impacted his performance. He has stated that he is in much better condition for the upcoming fight in Abu Dhabi, suggesting fans can expect a stronger showing.
The Initial Meeting: Ronaldo's Belief in Magomedov
The connection between Magomedov and Ronaldo began earlier this year. On January 29, 2025, the two met at the Al-Nassr training ground in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before Magomedov's fight with Michael Page. During their meeting, Ronaldo expressed his belief that Magomedov had the potential to become a UFC world champion. Ronaldo even attended the fight against Page to show his support.
First Career Loss: UFC Fight Night 250 in Riyadh
Despite Ronaldo's support, Magomedov suffered his first professional MMA loss on February 1, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 250 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was defeated by Michael "Venom" Page via unanimous decision. This loss marked a significant setback for Magomedov, who had entered the UFC with an undefeated record and considerable hype.
Magomedov's Background and Rise in the UFC
Shara Magomedov, hailing from Dagestan, Russia, is known for his striking ability and flashy fighting style. Dagestan is renowned for producing elite combat sports athletes, including Khabib Nurmagomedov. Before his loss to Page, Magomedov had built an impressive undefeated record, making him a highly touted prospect in the UFC's middleweight division.
The Significance of the Upcoming Fight
The fight against Marc-André Barriault is crucial for Magomedov's career trajectory. Another loss could severely diminish his status as a rising star, while a dominant victory would help him regain momentum and prove his resilience. The bout represents a significant test of Magomedov's mental fortitude and ability to bounce back from adversity.
Ronaldo's Endorsement and Its Impact
Cristiano Ronaldo's continued support and direct involvement in Magomedov's career adds a unique layer of intrigue and star power to his narrative. The endorsement from such a global icon has the potential to significantly increase viewership and public interest in Magomedov's fights, highlighting the growing intersection of sports and celebrity culture within the MMA world.
