Ask the average person – especially Americans who are notorious for their lapse in geographical knowledge (I’m an American myself, so I’m allowed to make that joke) – and they probably won’t know much, if anything, about where or what Dagestan is. But in the last decade or so, amongst fight fans, this tiny republic of Russia has become synonymous with one thing: fighting. Dagestan, which means ‘mountain country’, echoes the mysticism of medieval folklore, a section of the planet that churns out men who cut through MMA fighters like chainsaws through butter. In 2012, we were introduced to Khabib Nurmagomedov – the first Dagestani standout who retired with a perfect record of 29-0 – and over the next decade the world, and every UFC fighter, would be haunted by the endless flood of these bearded, disciplined warriors.
The latest addition to the Dagestani UFC middleweight roster is a man who looks suited to annihilate John Wick (his appearance is so terrifying, that he’s also just been cast in a short film playing an assassin, with potential Bollywood roles lined up in the future). With a big red beard, missing front tooth, frosted right eye due to an injury, and the nickname “Bullet,” Sharabutdin Magomedov steps back into the octagon this weekend on Saturday October 26 at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. He speaks to me via Russian translator, and at the sight of my name, he grins and breaks into song, “Antoshka Antoshka Patoshka,” a Soviet era nursery rhyme about someone named Antoshka who gathers potatoes…I think? Because of my name, this isn’t the first time I’ve heard this song, but having it hummed to me by one of the most dangerous men on the planet is undoubtedly a new milestone in my life.
Esquire: What is it about Dagestan that makes it so special in terms of fighting?
Magomedov: In ancient times when our ancestors lived deep in the mountains, other nations were constantly attacking and trying to conquer us. So we had to learn to fight, how to adapt, how to defend ourselves, so it’s in our DNA, our blood, something we’re raised with. As kids growing up in Dagestan, we were always fighting, whether in the street or competition, so for as long as I can remember, my people have always been in fight mode.
Esquire: At what age do Dagestani boys begin fighting and training?
Magomedov: Compared to a lot of other guys, I didn’t start training until much later. But in street fights, when I’d fight guys who had been training for years, they’d still lose to me. Only eventually, when they got bigger and more skilled in martial arts, was I then forced to start training myself…because I refused to lose.
Esquire: Although you’re a Muay Thai striker, the main combat style practiced by Dagestani fighters is Sambo (a type of wrestling with Soviet origins, the name directly translating to ‘self defense without weapons), and its clearly extremely effective against other fighters. Is there any kryptonite to Sambo?
Magomedov: I fought in Sambo, but I never trained in Sambo. But even then, as an untrained Sambo fighter, I would come out and beat seasoned Sambo fighters, so there is definitely a kryptonite.
Esquire: How has your training, if at all, altered for your upcoming fight this weekend?
Magomedov: It definitely changed. This time around, I had to go back to basics and rediscover the striking techniques I used to have in my arsenal when I started. I didn’t train as much wrestling as I usually do in my other fights. My opponent is a striker, I’m a striker, so I need to make sure I’m just too good and too fast for him.
Esquire: What do you eat before and after a fight?
Magomedov: (laughs, thinks) Before the fight, I eat non tasty food. And after the fight, tasty stuff: burger with a coke is the best. My favourite is the Big Tasty at McDonald’s, but now McDonald’s is sanctioned back home in Russia, so I can’t eat there anymore.
Esquire: What is the best crowd you’ve ever fought in front of, and what can we expect from you this weekned?
Magomedov: Abu Dhabi, just two months ago in August, against Michał Oleksiejczuk. That was the best fight, the best entrance, the best crowd. We both won a ‘fight of the night’ bonus, and I felt so welcomed. As for this weekend, I’m going to be sure to bring out emotions from people. There are going to be fireworks in this fight, and Armen Petrosyan and I will be able to see whose Kung Fu is better.
Sharabutdin “Bullet” Magomedov fights Armen Petrosyan this Saturday, October 26 at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi at the Etihad Arena. Get tickets here.
