Usman Nurmagomedov Retains Bellator Lightweight Title; Beats Alexander Shabliy

September 8, 2024
5 months
Usman Nurmagomedov Retains Bellator Lightweight Title; Beats Alexander Shabliy

Usman Nurmagomedov kept his Bellator Lightweight Title with a unanimous decision against Alexander Shabliy.

The duo headlined the Bellator Championship Series 4 event as Nurmagomedov outworked his opponents to a decision win. It was a cagey affair, with both fighters trying to outmanoeuvre their opponent. Nurmagomedov was switching between orthodox and southpaw, hoping to carve out an opening. Shabliy remained defensively sound, aiming to counter with his right hand once Nurmagomedov tried to get on the inside.

However, Shabliy was reactive, meaning there was less opportunity for clean strikes. In the second round, Nurmagomedov upped the pace. The champion tried to get a takedown, only for Shabliy to stand his guard. Nurmagomedov, however, remained composed with a better third round. His leg kicks were landing, lowering Shabliy’s guard. As he did so, Nurmagomedov connected with a big uppercut in an otherwise cautious round. 

But the turning point was in round four. During the latter part of the fourth, Nurmagomedov struck with a left kick to the head before getting a takedown. Nurmagomedov had his man down for the test of the 75 seconds. The last round also favoured the champion, as Shabliy was waiting for a knockout shot that never came.

Nurmagomedov Wins

Nurmagomedov closed out the fight to retain his title.  It was a big win for Nurmagomedov, especially since his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov talked up his potential for being one of the best. He lived up to those words but recognized it was a tough fight. 

“To be honest, this guy is so tough. Alexander Shabliy I think is one of the best lightweights right now in the world. It was a very tough fight for me,” Usman stated 

“Sometimes when you’re growing, you’re 26 and you fight with somebody who is 32? They both on prime, but 32 is much better than 26. And if you beat him, you jump on different level, and I think Usman is, right now, one of the best lightweights in the world. I was before, now it’s our brother Islam [Makhachev], and Usman is next. This is dynasty. I think many, many years [from now], people are going to talk [about us],” Khabib said 

Full Card

Usman Nurmagomedov beat Alexander Shabliy by unanimous decision (scores: 50-45, 49-46, 49-46).

Lorenz Larkin won against Levan Chokheli by TKO (punches) in Round 1 at 1:53.

Aaron Jeffery defeated Douglas Lima by unanimous decision (scores: 29-28 from all judges).

Sumiko Inaba stopped Mackenzie Stiller with a TKO (punches) in Round 2 at 4:25.

Jora Ayvazyan won by unanimous decision against Yancy Medeiros (scores: 30-27 from all judges).

Jordan Newman beat Imamshafi Aliev by unanimous decision (scores: 30-27 from all judges).

Masayuki Kikuiri won via TKO (liver kick and punches) against Herman Terrado in Round 3 at 2:54.

Bryce Meredith got a technical submission (rear-naked choke) victory over John MaCalolooy in Round 1 at 3:18.

Josh Hokit submitted Sean Rose with an armbar in Round 1 at 4:58.

Ashley Thiner defeated Alysia Cortez by TKO (punches) in Round 1 at 3:11

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