Shara Magomedov Wins Unanimous Decision Over Marc-André Barriault at UFC Abu Dhabi

By Ali Hammad July 29, 2025 10:38

The UFC middleweight division saw an intense and action-packed showdown at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, as Shara Magomedov secured a unanimous decision victory over Canadian contender Marc-André Barriault. The bout was a back-and-forth slugfest filled with tactical striking, grit, and momentum swings, ultimately earning both fighters the prestigious Fight of the Night bonus for their thrilling performance inside the Etihad Arena.

From the opening bell, Barriault applied consistent pressure, utilizing his physically imposing style and clinch work to keep Magomedov on the back foot. However, it was Magomedov’s precise leg kicks that emerged as a defining weapon early on, disrupting Barriault’s rhythm and limiting his mobility. “Bullet” also showcased his Muay Thai striking arsenal, landing punishing knees, elbows, and a flash trademark question mark kick. Barriault managed to respond midway through the second round with a powerful right hand that visibly rocked Magomedov and a takedown that briefly shifted momentum.

Despite taking heavy shots and a nose injury sustained during the fight, Magomedov displayed remarkable resilience. He fought back fiercely in the latter part of the second round with sharp elbows and knees in the clinch, wearing down Barriault, who appeared to expend significant energy scrambling to defend. Magomedov’s striking volume and movement took over in the third round, where he lit up Barriault with a flurry of strikes before dropping him with a body knee. Magomedov capped the round with dominant ground-and-pound, leaving no doubt in the judges’ eyes.

All three judges scored the bout 30-27 in favor of Magomedov, awarding him a clear unanimous decision. Post-fight, Magomedov commented, “Thank you to all the people who support me all over the world, I feel your support. This is just the beginning, it's going to be more from now on. Bigger and higher. Better opponents, better victories!” His cool composure and high output under pressure underscored an important comeback after a previous UFC loss to Michael Page earlier in 2025.

Barriault, known for his toughness and heart, held his own throughout the war. He praised Magomedov's striking and toughness post-fight, acknowledging the fierce battle and indicating his intent to continue pushing forward in the division. Both fighters left the octagon exhausted but proud, having delivered one of the most exciting middleweight bouts of the year.

Statistically, Magomedov’s low leg kicks were a standout, serving as a strategic tool that limited Barriault’s mobility and offensive threat. Magomedov also excelled in clinch exchanges, landing multiple effective elbows and knees while defending takedowns with agility. Barriault’s power shots and grappling attempts kept the fight competitive, but he struggled to maintain control and was outstruck significantly overall.

This fight not only brought Magomedov back into the win column, moving his professional record to an impressive 16-1 but also reaffirmed his status as a top contender in the middleweight ranks. The bout’s pace, technical depth, and dramatic momentum shifts earned unanimous praise from analysts and fans alike, reflecting the high-caliber competition expected at UFC’s premier events.

Shara Magomedov’s unanimous decision win over Marc-André Barriault at UFC Abu Dhabi was a masterclass in Muay Thai striking, resilience, and tactical fight IQ. The thrilling three-round war, culminating in a score of 30-27 across all judges, highlighted both fighters’ warrior spirit and skill. As Magomedov stated post-fight, the victory marks a stepping stone toward bigger challenges and championship aspirations ahead.