Shara Magomedov scores vicious knockout against Antonio Trocoli at UFC Saudi Arabia

Even though Shara Magomedov’s knockout at UFC Saudi Arabia happened later than most anticipated, he still managed to execute a dominant finish.

The fighter known as “Shara Bullet” faced Antonio Trocoli, a late substitute, and had to persevere through many takedown attempts and extensive clinch work before gaining the necessary distance to display his impressive striking arsenal. In Round 3, Trocoli was out of gas and Magomedov caught him with a knee up the middle. He then threw a flurry of punches, ending with a vicious left hook that knocked the Brazilan out cold.

Magomedov made his eagerly awaited UFC debut in October 2023 via majority decision over Bruno Silva. Before making his second appearance in the Octagon against Trocoli, the 30-year-old Russian improved his professional mixed martial arts record to 12-0 and gained a lot of support from the crowd. Prior to both combatants being rescheduled for UFC Saudi Arabia, Trocoli was originally slated to face Ikram Aliskerov at last weekend’s UFC Vegas 93. The 33-year-old Brazilian eventually made his promotional debut against “Bullet” after enduring many bout cancellations.

Magomedov had a significant speed advantage and a fierce kicking style that put him in relative control from the opening bell. Trocoli attempted to take down the Russian by landing a few right punches, but he was unable to bring him to the ground. In the meantime, Magomedov’s damage rapidly increased as he truly focused on his opponent’s lead leg and body.

In the second, there was one significant contentious moment, though. Trocoli eventually managed to score a takedown attempt, but Magomedov was still clearly in control of the bout. Magomedov reached to make a clinch trip, but he shamelessly gripped the rail to stay standing. Referee Marc Goddard saw the fence grab, but he didn’t give Trocoli the advantage or award him first place. If Trocoli still had a chance, it was lost then. By the third, he was worn out, and Magomedov forced the finish, teeing off quickly as his opponent reclined near the rail.

Magomedov demonstrated his rapid footwork and kicks on the resumption, but Trocoli wasted no time in searching for the clinch once more to fend off those lethal striking attempts. Trocoli continued to encounter difficulties because of Magomedov’s varied footwork as he advanced in an attempt to break free of the cage.

It was Magomedov’s second victory in two UFC contests since he joined the top MMA organisation in 2023. Magomedov stopped Tricoli in the third round of their battle by TKO. The Dagestani’s winning streak was extended to 13-0 with the victory. In addition, the 30-year-old received an additional $50,000 and the Performance of the Night bonus.