Magomedov calls Strickland's sparring impression 'a pale imitation' ahead of UFC Baku

Sharabutdin ‘Shara Bullet’ Magomedov has taken a pointed swipe at Sean Strickland after footage emerged of the former middleweight champion attempting to replicate Magomedov’s unorthodox striking style in sparring ahead of UFC Baku on June 27 at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Strickland, who trains alongside Magomedov’s upcoming opponent Michel Pereira, was seen trying to imitate the Russian’s flashy movement and striking patterns during camp preparation. Magomedov acknowledged the effort but was far from impressed.

“I don’t think he can do it like me,” Magomedov told Red Corner MMA. “But it was kind of an imitation. A pale imitation, though. It would be very different in an actual fight.”

Beyond the sparring footage, Magomedov also revealed that Strickland’s rise to the UFC title — secured with a win over Khamzat Chimaev — caught him off guard. “Sean Strickland is actually a very interesting fighter. I always get surprised when fighters like him become champions. But he is a hard worker, a native talent,” he said, before planting a seed with his fanbase: “I just want to ask my fans, ‘Don’t you think I could beat Sean Strickland and become the champion?’”

Magomedov carries a 16-1 professional record into his fight with Pereira, going 5-1 inside the UFC. His only loss in the promotion came against Michael Page, a defeat he has since answered with a decision victory over Marc-Andre Barriault.

Pereira, meanwhile, enters the contest at 32-14 having snapped a three-fight losing streak with an upset win over Zachary Reese. With Strickland embedded in Pereira’s corner as a training partner, the middleweight champion’s name is likely to hover over fight week in Baku regardless of what happens on June 27.