Arguably the best pound for pound fighter in Bellator is set for his return. The PFL announced yesterday in an official press release that the Bellator Champions Series was heading to San Diego, California on September 7th with the lightweight title on the line.
Undefeated champion Usman Nurmagomedov (17-0, 1 NC) is set to return to defend his title against top contender Alexander Shabliy (24-3). Originally, these two were supposed to fight in May for the title but Nurmagomedov had to pull out of the fight with an injury.
This is the fight that Shabliy has been waiting on. Prior to the PFL acquisition, Shabliy was supposed to face Usman Nurmagomedov in the finals of the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix. Shabliy earned that spot after defeating Tofiq Musayev and former champion Patricky Pitbull.
With the Pitbull win, Shabliy had won nine fights in a row and moved to a perfect 5-0 in Bellator which included wins over two former champions (Pitbull and Brent Primus). He’s been very patient while waiting for this fight and now he finally gets his crack at the lightweight champion.
Bellator Champions Series San Diego
You could easily make the argument to many that Usman Nurmagomedov is the most talented lightweight fighter in the world. Cousin of the all time great Khabib Nurmagomedov and teammate of current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, Nurmagomedov is an absolute monster.
After signing with Bellator, he won dominated his first four opponents to earn a shot against Patricky Pitbull for the lightweight title. Nurmagomedov dominated all five rounds and won the title. In the Grand Prix, he ran through Benson Henderson in the first round. In the semifinals, he dominated Brent Primus over five rounds.
However, the fight was ruled to a No Contest after Nurmagomedov tested positive for a banned substance. Given what he tested positive for, he was only suspended for six months and was supposed to return in May to face Shabliy before the injury. However, the Bellator champion is back healthy and he’s ready to show the world just why many believe he’s the best lightweight on the planet.