Armen Petrosyan expects a “very heated” fight against Shara Magomedov

ABU DHABI – Shara Magomedov is a familiar name for Armen Petrosyan.

Petrosyan (9-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) meets Magomedov (14-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) in Saturday's UFC 308 main card opener at Etihad Arena (pay-per-view, ESPN+).

Petrosyan will look to capitalize on the hype that the undefeated Magomedov brings and the coveted spot they find themselves in to secure the pay-per-view.

“Shara is very popular. He has a lot of hype behind him and I really think for both of us that it's a great thing that so many people will be watching this particular fight,” Petrosyan told MMA Junkie and other reporters 308 through an interpreter at UFC on Wednesday Media day.

Petrosyan remembers competing in the same kickboxing tournament as Magomedov. They have shared the mats before, and the 33-year-old has nothing but respect for his opponent.

“We know each other. “At one point we even trained together back then,” said Petrosyan. “The tournament you are talking about, we fought together in the same tournament. It's not like we fought each other. Yes, we know each other.

“I wouldn't say we're best friends, but we're really good acquaintances. We all know his weak sides, we all know his good sides, so you'll see it. With every opponent we make sure to study them really well, so I think you'll see everything in the fight. … It’s going to be very fiery, very exciting.”

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC 308 event hub.