It’s going down at 185 pounds on Saturday, as frenetic middleweights Shara “Bullet” Magomedov and Michel Pereira go head-to-head in the co-main event of UFC Baku. 

Magomedov (16–1, 5–1 UFC) returns to the Octagon for the first time since July 2025, when he rebounded from his first professional loss with a unanimous decision victory over Marc-Andre Barriault. Pereira (32–14, 10–5 UFC) recently snapped a three-fight skid with a split-decision win over Zachary Reese in February. 

Magomedov enters as a heavy -345 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Pereira is a +275 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 1.5 rounds.

Magomedov vs. Pereira

Shara Magomedov

• 16–1 (5–1 UFC)
• 12–0 (T)KO
• 0–0 SUB

Nomen est omen for Shara “Bullet,” who’s lightning fast, surgically precise, and devastatingly powerful. The Russian kickboxer returns to the Octagon for the first time since last July, when he prevailed in a good old-fashioned slugfest with veteran striker Marc-Andre Barriault. 

That victory helped Magomedov, 32, rebound from his first professional defeat at the hands of Michael “Venom” Page a few months prior. While close on paper, the prospect was visibly stumped by the ex-Bellator star’s unorthodox attack. During his time away from the cage, Magomedov appeared to sharpen his grappling prowess through grappling matches with the likes of Arman Tsarukyan and Edson Barboza. 

But don’t expect that to factor much into his offensive game plan; after all, this is the same knockout artist who pulled off a sensational, double-spinning-backfist stoppage less than two years ago against Armen Petrosyan. 

Michel Pereira

• 32–14(10–5 UFC)
• 11–3 (T)KO
• 9–1 SUB

It was a quick turnaround for Michel Pereira, who appears eager to capitalize on his sudden burst of momentum. “Demolidor,” or as some people affectionately call him, the backflip guy, is coming off a split-decision win over Zachary Reese in February — snapping a three-fight skid dating back to October 2024. 

The 32-year-old Brazilian — whose attack encompasses sheer athleticism, sneaky grappling, and outlandish chaos — had previously strung together eight consecutive wins across welterweight and middleweight. But Pereira has accrued significant mileage with his hectic style, and it’s starting to catch up to him. He has been stopped twice in his last four bouts, including a 43-second knockout from Kyle Daukaus.

Magomedov vs. Pereira Pick, Best Bet

Pereira is the perfect opponent for Magomedov at this point in his career. The Russian has an opportunity to prove that he learned from the “MVP” loss and can navigate unorthodox strikers. (And he should have ample opportunities to do so against a more, let’s say, confrontational opponent.) 

Magomedov is the cleaner striker, and his recent foray onto the mat should help him stymie Pereira’s grappling attempts. Given Pereira’s recent form, highlighted by an eroding chin, Shara “Bullet” should pass Saturday’s test with flying colors.

Best Bet: Shara Magomedov by KO/TKO/DQ (+140)