Shara Magomedov is joining Khamzat Chimaev on the Real American Freestyle card in Moscow. The UFC middleweight will make his RAF debut on September 5 against former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko.
The matchup adds another experienced MMA name to an event already headlined by Chimaev’s wrestling clash with former UFC champion Tyron Woodley.
Magomedov Set for RAF Debut in Moscow
Magomedov will compete in his home country when he steps onto the RAF stage. The 31-year-old has built his reputation around his striking. He owns 17 professional MMA victories, with 12 coming by knockout.
His opponent brings a significant amount of experience to the matchup. Shlemenko, 42, enters with a professional record of 69-18-1-1. The Russian veteran most recently competed for ACA in June.
Shlemenko spent much of his career competing at the highest level of MMA. He won the Bellator middleweight championship in 2013 and successfully defended the belt three times. His résumé also includes fights against Tito Ortiz, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and Gegard Mousasi.
Shlemenko has developed a reputation as a dangerous striker. He has recorded 36 knockout victories during his professional career and holds a Master of Sport qualification in hand-to-hand combat.
Magomedov Continues to Test His Grappling
Although Magomedov is best known for his striking, he has recently shown a willingness to compete outside traditional MMA rules. The UFC fighter has taken part in several grappling contests as he works on another part of his game.
Magomedov faced Edson Barboza in a grappling match last March, with the bout ending in a draw. He also went the distance with Arman Tsarukyan in a grappling contest last December, with that matchup also ending without a winner.
His RAF appearance will give Magomedov another opportunity to showcase those skills. The event already features several UFC names. Chimaev is scheduled to wrestle Woodley in the main event, while Bo Nickal is set to face Shirvani Muradov.