MMA fighters bring serious warrior energy, battling both physically and mentally, so mental toughness is key. When it comes to embodying that mindset, Shara Magomedov stands out. Competing in one of the most brutal sports with just one eye is no small feat, yet he thrives. As he prepares for his UFC Saudi fight, he shared how Michael Bisping’s journey inspired him, proving that resilience and determination can push fighters beyond their perceived limits.
Shara shared that he once thought his condition would stop him from competing, but that changed when he discovered Bisping’s journey. He noticed Bisping silently dealing with eye issues while still achieving success, which deeply resonated with him. Seeing someone overcome a similar struggle gave him hope and motivation to keep going. Bisping’s perseverance inspired Shara to push forward despite his own challenges, ultimately shaping his belief that he, too, could succeed in the sport.
He said, “I thought that with my condition, I was never going to be allowed to do that. And that’s when I started following you and I saw that you were also having issues with your eyes but weren’t telling anybody and I was doing the same thing…When I saw what you were able to achieve with your condition…you were a huge motivation for me to even be in the sport.”
Beautiful Shara and Bisping moment pic.twitter.com/JEYkf4ZcEH
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) January 30, 2025
The world watched Bisping rise to UFC champion status, and now the question is whether Shara can do the same in one of the toughest competitions. He certainly looks promising, but only time will tell if he can reach the top.
How Did Shara Magomedov Endure a Blinding Eye Injury?
Magomedov faced a serious eye injury while training in Thailand early in his career. After several surgeries, he lost sight in one eye and feared his fighting days were over. Inspired by UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping, who won the middleweight title with a similar injury, Magomedov kept pushing forward. A Muay Thai specialist, he had financial struggles early on, but made the jump to MMA in 2017, knocking out his opponent in just 43 seconds in his debut.
Now, he’s one of the most feared fighters on the roster, and every time he steps into the cage, there’s a buzz of excitement. His journey from near career-ending injury to becoming a UFC fighter has earned him respect, and he’s now a fighter everyone talks about.
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