Abus Magomedov turns 19-second KO into headline fight with ‘crazy guy’ Sean Strickland

It took longer for Bruce Buffer to introduce him than it did for Magomedov to deliver a punishing knock out of Dustin Stoltzfus, who was sent reeling by a kick to the face.

The stunning performance was enough to prove to the UFC brass that the Russian-born Magomedov is ready for a huge step up in opponent and occasion.

In just his second UFC bout, the 32-year-old will headline this weekend’s fight night card against controversial 19-fight, nine-year UFC veteran Sean Strickland.

Put simply, the seventh ranked Strickland has had one fight to every second the German-trained Magomedov has spent in the cage.

The showdown could have major title ramifications over the next 12 months, but – for Magomedov at least – dreams of a shot at Israel Adesanya’s middleweight title could take a back seat after watching Strickland’s pre-fight press conference this week.

A buffoon and a self-confessed “piece of white trash,” Strickland questioned Magomedov’s background, and made shocking comments about Adesanya’s race and about getting women “back to the kitchen.”

The full details of Strickland’s rant aren’t worth reliving here, but Magomedov was blunt when asked his thoughts on his opponent.

“Crazy guy,” he said simply.

When Strickland was reined in, he admitted to not knowing an awful lot about Magomedov.

“I had no idea who the f**k he was,” he said. “They offered me a couple of ranked guys, I said yes, but they said no.

“The money was right and here we are, but I’ve never heard of the guy.”

For better or worse, a win for Strickland this weekend will propel him slightly closer to a title fight. Meanwhile, a convincing performance for Magomedov should see him enter the middleweight rankings.

They’ll both be watching what happens between middleweight contenders Robert Whittaker and Dricus du Plessis at UFC 290 a week later, with the winner of that fight will likely face Adesanya later this year.

“I’d like to fight Izzy,” Strickland said. “Whittaker is going to f**k up Dricus, I think we all know that. That’s what’s happening.

“But just say Abus knocks me out and then becomes champion. Do you really want Abus as champion? He doesn’t even speak English.

“I deserve a shot, let’s make it happen. Worst case scenario, me and Izzy will fight in the parking lot, because that needs to happen.”

Magomedov is on record saying he’ll outwrestle Adesanya if they ever fight, and hit back at anyone questioning whether he’s been given a headline fight too soon in his career.

“I don’t care about the guys who say (it’s too early). After this fight they’ll be quiet,” he said. “I’m ready to die in the cage, but I’m going to smash this guy.

“My goal is to finish the fight as early as possible to get a KO.”