In his return to competition following an anti-doping issue, unbeaten Russian star, Usman Nurmagomedov managed to retain his undisputed…
In his return to competition following an anti-doping issue, unbeaten Russian star, Usman Nurmagomedov managed to retain his undisputed lightweight title in last night’s Bellator Champions Series 4 headlining fight against contender, Alexandr Shabily in a unanimous decision effort.
Nurmagomedov, who had been sidelined since he saw an initial unanimous judging win over ex-champion, Brent Primus overturned to an official ‘No Contest‘ result, was embroiled in a high-profile anti-doping issue.
Testing positive for a banned substance, Nurmagomedov remained the undisputed lightweight kingpin under the Bellator MMA banner due to the reported “unintentional” use of the substance in question, remaining champion for last night’s anticipated fight with Shabily.
And landing a unanimous decision shutout against Rostov contender, Shabily — which included a near-finish via submission, Nurmagomedov was heralded by his coach and relative, former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov — who praised him as well as current Octagon star, Islam Makhachev.
Below, catch the highlights from Usman Nurmagomedov decision win over Alexandr Shabily
Usman Nurmagomedov continued to live up to the high praise of his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has called him the future of the sport, by recording successful lightweight title defense against Alexandr Shabliy in the main event of Saturday’s …
Usman Nurmagomedov continued to live up to the high praise of his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has called him the future of the sport, by recording successful lightweight title defense against Alexandr Shabliy in the main event of Saturday’s Bellator Champions Series event in San Diego. From the beginning, Shabliy looked to use a quick […]
Even at 38 years old, Lorenz Larkin is not slowing down. Now, his next fight will present a likely last opportunity to earn gold thanks to his win at Saturday’s Bellator Champions Series event in San Diego. Larkin, a former UFC and Strikeforce f…
Even at 38 years old, Lorenz Larkin is not slowing down. Now, his next fight will present a likely last opportunity to earn gold thanks to his win at Saturday’s Bellator Champions Series event in San Diego. Larkin, a former UFC and Strikeforce fighter, faced Levan Chokheli in the co-main event at Pechanga Arena. The […]
The fourth Bellator Champions Series event goes down on Saturday night, and MMA News has you covered with all the action! After taking the newly created Bellator Champions Series to Belfast, Paris, and Dublin thus far since acquiring its rival promoti…
The fourth Bellator Champions Series event goes down on Saturday night, and MMA News has you covered with all the action! After taking the newly created Bellator Champions Series to Belfast, Paris, and Dublin thus far since acquiring its rival promotion late last year, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has brought the brand back to […]
The fourth Bellator Champions Series event went down on Saturday night, and MMA News has you covered with all the action! After taking the newly created Bellator Champions Series to Belfast, Paris, and Dublin thus far since acquiring its rival promoti…
The fourth Bellator Champions Series event went down on Saturday night, and MMA News has you covered with all the action! After taking the newly created Bellator Champions Series to Belfast, Paris, and Dublin thus far since acquiring its rival promotion late last year, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) brought the brand back to United […]
UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov has an idea of who could inherit the promotion’s lightweight crown from Islam Makhachev upon the conclusion of his career. Makhachev has occupied the throne at 155 pounds since UFC 280 in 2022, where he emphatically got the better of former champ Charles Oliveira, first dropping “Do Bronx” and then […]
UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov has an idea of who could inherit the promotion’s lightweight crown from Islam Makhachev upon the conclusion of his career.
Makhachev has occupied the throne at 155 pounds since UFC 280 in 2022, where he emphatically got the better of former champ Charles Oliveira, first dropping “Do Bronx” and then finding the submission in round two.
The reign of Makhachev is far from over, with a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan expected to serve as his next task. Beyond that, a potential shot at two-division glory up at welterweight could be on the cards depending on if frequent training partner Belal Muhammad remains champion.
But given how his friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov departed the sport on top, comparisons with “The Eagle” have included talk of such a departure for Makhachev, who has already tied Khabib for most lightweight title wins and consecutive defenses.
When the reigning king does decide to relinquish his grip on the crown at 155 pounds, it would appear that his team already have plans for the division’s future — and they include the UFC poaching one of the PFL’s best…
Umar Reveals Plans For Nurmagomedov Takeover Post-Makhachev
Before the current titleholder reached the mountaintop, the plan had long been laid out by Khabib, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and their team for Makhachev to succeed “The Eagle.”
Now, Usman Nurmagomedov is the highly regarded lightweight seemingly lying in waiting.
“After Islam? We have plans for Usman,” Umar Nurmagomedov said. “Yes, (Usman will come to the UFC). Why not? I don’t know what’s going to be in the future, but that’s the goal.”
Usman currently rules as the Bellator 155-pound champ, now under the banner of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The undefeated Dagestani won the belt from Patricky Pitbull in 2022 and subsequently defended it against Benson Henderson.
Most recently, Nurmagomedov had a victory over Brent Primus overturned after he tested positive for a banned substance in a prescription drug. He’s set to return from suspension to defend against Alexandr Shabliy at the Bellator Champions Series event in San Diego next month.
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