Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defended his Bellator lightweight title in a thrilling battle against Alexander Shabliy.
After an 11-month hiatus, the 26-year-old emerged victorious with a unanimous decision victory, handing Shabliy his first defeat in almost eight years. This win marked Nurmagomedov’s return to the octagon following a suspension due to a failed drug test in his previous bout against Brent Primus.
The fight started with Shabliy showcasing his striking skills, but Nurmagomedov responded with a well-timed takedown. Both fighters displayed their strengths throughout the competitive first round, with Nurmagomedov utilizing leg kicks effectively.
With Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, Usman continued to mix up his attacks in the second round. The pace slowed down in the third round, with Nurmagomedov’s leg kicks proving to be effective.
In the fourth round, Shabliy landed a significant combination but was penalized for an eye poke. Despite the setback, Nurmagomedov continued to press forward. The champion later landed a head kick and looked for a submission, showcasing his diverse skill set.
Heading into the final round, Shabliy needed a finish to secure the victory. However, Nurmagomedov’s dominance prevailed as he secured a unanimous decision win, improving his undefeated record to 18-0.
In the co-main event, Lorenz Larkin secured a quick victory to become the No. 1 contender for the Bellator welterweight title, while Aaron Jeffery defeated Douglas Lima in a controversial unanimous decision.
The night also featured impressive performances from other fighters, including Sumiko Inaba, Jora Ayvazyan, and Masayuki Kikuiri.
For more detailed results of Bellator San Diego, check out the full list below:
Usman Nurmagomedov def. Alexandr Shabliy via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
Lorenz Larkin def. Levan Chokheli via TKO – Round 1, 1:53
Aaron Jeffery def. Douglas Lima via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Sumiko Inaba def. Mackenzie Stiller via TKO – Round 2, 4:25
Jora Ayvazyan def. Yancy Medeiros via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Jordan Newman def. Imamshafi Aliev via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Masayuki Kikuiri def. Herman Terrado via TKO (body kick) – Round 3, 2:54
Bryce Meredith def. John MaCalolooy via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:15
Josh Hokit def. Sean Rose via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 4:58
Ashley Thiner def. Aysia Cortez via TKO – Round 2, 3:11