UFC middleweight contender Shawn Strickland justified accepting his upcoming fight against unranked Abus Magomedov, saying that “the money was right.”
Strickland is No. 7 middleweight in the UFC and has a 13-5 overall record in the Octagon. Meanwhile, Magomedov is only 1-0 in the UFC. Usually, these types of matches don’t happen between high-ranked fighters and unranked opponents, so it was amazing to see this fight when it was announced. While some fans and the media are still scratching their heads as to why the UFC booked this bout, Strickland explained why it was such an easy call.
Speaking to the media prior to UFC Vegas 76, Strickland said the UFC was originally trying to align him with other ranked middleweights. But when those opponents turned down Strickland’s refusal, he was given a choice of either waiting several months for a ranked foe or taking a shot and accepting a fight with the unranked Magomedov.
“I had no idea who he (Magomedov) was. So I was chasing after the UFC for a fight, I even offered to do the 205, but Mick (Maynard) didn’t want me to move up because there were a lot of 205ers I would do. So I had a conversation with Mick And he pretty much introduced me to a couple of rated guys.” Strickland said (via MMAjunkie.com).
“So I had a choice: Either I wait eight months or I fight. The money was right and here we are. I mean, we’re all fighting for the money. If the dollar is right, I’ll do it. We’ve come up with good conditions, good wages, and here we go. Abus”.
Who do you think will win the main event at UFC Vegas 76, Sean Strickland or Abus Magomedov?
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