Usman Nurmagomedov continues to reign supreme as the Bellator lightweight champion after a closely contested battle with Alexander Shabliy. Their fight headlined the Bellator Champions Series: San Diego, taking place at the Pechanga Arena, where fans witnessed a 25-minute chess match of a bout. Though the fight went the distance, Nurmagomedov (now 18-0) walked away victorious, with the judges scoring it 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, keeping his undefeated record intact.
A Battle of Strategy and Patience
From the opening bell, the fight was a tense strategic affair, with both fighters taking a calculated approach. Early on, Shabliy (now 24-4) found some success, particularly with his right hand, landing quick counters as Nurmagomedov pressed forward. Shabliy’s ability to time his counters kept Nurmagomedov from overwhelming him right out of the gate, even though Usman nearly took control of Shabliy's back early in the fight. A minor miscalculation saw Nurmagomedov ride too high while attempting the takedown, allowing the first round to play out primarily on the feet.
The second round saw Nurmagomedov taking control, stepping up his offensive activity. He led with strikes and pushed the pace, forcing Shabliy to stay on the defensive. Shabliy managed to fend off a few takedown attempts and landed a solid punch of his own, but Nurmagomedov was quick to answer. It was evident at this point that both fighters were wary of each other’s power, leading to a slower-paced round marked by single, calculated strikes rather than wild exchanges.
The Mid-Round Shift
Things began to heat up as the third round unfolded. Nurmagomedov shifted his focus, attacking Shabliy’s legs and body with a series of well-placed kicks. The Russian champ's calculated approach kept Shabliy from finding his rhythm. Just as the round was coming to a close, Shabliy managed to score a takedown right at the bell, showing he was still very much in the fight.
The action picked up in Round 4, with Shabliy landing a crisp combination of punches early. For a moment, it seemed like he might be gaining momentum, but an unfortunate eye poke halted the action. The brief pause in the fight gave Nurmagomedov time to recover, and when the action resumed, it was back to business for the undefeated champion.
With just over 90 seconds left in the round, Nurmagomedov seized the moment with a well-placed left head kick that visibly rocked Shabliy. Smelling blood in the water, Nurmagomedov swarmed with strikes, taking the fight to the mat and threatening a choke. Although the submission didn’t materialize, he managed to control Shabliy from the top, picking up valuable control time before the round ended with both fighters clinched on their feet.
The Final Round and Decision
The fifth and final round saw Shabliy struggling to create any meaningful offense. The fatigue from the previous rounds appeared to be weighing on him, as Nurmagomedov remained the aggressor, picking his shots and maintaining control. The crowd, growing restless with the lack of explosive action, voiced their displeasure with a few boos, but Nurmagomedov remained composed, sticking to his game plan.
When the final bell rang, it was clear that Nurmagomedov had done enough to secure the victory, and the judges agreed. With scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, Usman Nurmagomedov retained his Bellator lightweight title, much to the delight of his corner, which included MMA legends Khabib Nurmagomedov, Javier Mendez, and Umar Nurmagomedov.
A Legacy in the Making
Nurmagomedov’s victory over Shabliy marks his second successful title defense, continuing his steady rise in the MMA world. He initially claimed the Bellator lightweight title by defeating Patricky Freire at Bellator 288 in November 2022. In his first title defense, he made quick work of former UFC veteran Benson Henderson, submitting him in the very first round. This latest victory over Shabliy adds another impressive win to his already stacked resume, though it didn’t come without controversy.
After his win over Brent Primus in a previous bout, Nurmagomedov was dealt a minor setback when the victory was overturned to a no-contest due to a failed drug test. Despite that, Nurmagomedov has maintained his focus, and his performance against Shabliy proved that he’s still very much at the top of his game.
What’s Next for Nurmagomedov?
In his post-fight interview, Nurmagomedov expressed his desire to have his next title defense in Dubai. With his undefeated record and two title defenses under his belt, it’s clear that Nurmagomedov is looking to expand his legacy and make his mark on a global scale. Dubai, with its rapidly growing MMA fanbase and luxurious fight venues, would be the perfect stage for Nurmagomedov to further cement his status as one of the best lightweight fighters in the world.
His continued dominance in Bellator’s lightweight division has many fans and analysts wondering who could possibly dethrone him. With his precise striking, relentless grappling, and iron-clad composure, Nurmagomedov presents a unique challenge for anyone who dares to step into the cage with him.
Shabliy’s Effort and What’s Next for Him
As for Alexander Shabliy, this loss, though disappointing, doesn’t take away from his status as one of the top lightweights in the division. His early success in the fight showed that he has the skills to compete at the highest level. Shabliy’s counter-striking and takedown defense were on point, but he struggled to deal with Nurmagomedov’s relentless pressure as the fight wore on.
Shabliy will undoubtedly learn from this experience and come back stronger. Despite the loss, he remains a dangerous contender in the lightweight division, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him bounce back with a big win in his next outing. The lightweight division is stacked with talent, and Shabliy has shown that he belongs in the mix.
A Night to Remember
The Bellator Champions Series: San Diego was a night filled with excitement, and the main event between Nurmagomedov and Shabliy certainly lived up to the billing. It was a tactical and cerebral fight that showcased the high-level skills of both fighters. While it may not have been a wild brawl, fans who appreciate the technical aspects of MMA were treated to a masterclass in strategy, composure, and execution.
Usman Nurmagomedov’s reign as Bellator lightweight champion continues, and it’s clear that the sky's the limit for the 25-year-old phenom. Whether his next fight takes place in Dubai or elsewhere, fans can expect another dominant performance from one of MMA’s brightest young stars.
This fight was a testament to Nurmagomedov’s skill, patience, and ability to adapt to any situation, and his journey as champion is only just beginning.
Login