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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson and Mike Bohn

After UFC 308 win, Abus Magomedov admits Sean Strickland loss was too early – but now …

ABU DHABI – Abus Magomedov beat Brunno Ferreira with a third-round submission Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 308 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Take a look inside the fight with Magomedov, who now has back-to-back wins after a two-fight skid in 2023 to Sean Strickland and Caio Borralho.

Abus Magomedov def. Brunno Ferreira

Abus Magomedov def. Brunno Ferreira, UFC 308 (©Craig Kidwell, special to MMA Junkie)

Result: Abus Magomedov def. Brunno Ferreira via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 3, 3:14
Updated records: Magomedov (27-6-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Ferreira (12-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Key stats: Magomedov landed four takedowns on the way to his first submission in nearly five years.

Magomedov on the fight’s key moment

Abus Magomedov def. Brunno Ferreira, UFC 308 (©Craig Kidwell, special to MMA Junkie)

“From the beginning, I knew I win or I die. There were no other options there. I know he’s a tough guy, and he was trying to finish the fight. In my head, I know I’m a much better fighter. I have more skills than him I just needed time to show it.”

Magomedov on his June 2023 loss to Sean Strickland

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 01: (R-L) Abus Magomedov of Russia punches Sean Strickland in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on July 01, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

“I think it was a little bit too early for me to (fight Strickland). His skills are not better than mine, but there is a lot of pressure here, and I was not ready for this. I think if I go step by step, I will show all the guys that I can smash all them. I have all the skills. I just need time.”

Magomedov on what he wants next

“We’ll go step by step. Maybe a top 15 guy. There are a lot of guys. I think next one should be a top 15 guy.”

To hear more from Magomedov, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.

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