Nurmagomedov denies intentionally doping

Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov has denied taking "steroids" arsenic he prepares to make his return from a doping suspension connected 7 September successful California.

Nurmagomedov, 26, was banned for six months by nan California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) aft failing a supplier trial successful October.

His Bellator 300 triumph complete Brent Primus was changed to a nary title and Nurmagomedov fights for nan first clip since then, defending his loop against Alexandr Shabliy.

"It was medication," Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie, external astir nan grounded test.

"If it were a steroid, they person to say, 'this was a steroid'. And they person to springiness maine much clip for suspension. They person to springiness maine for illustration 1 year, 2 years, and we person examples from different guys."

Details of Nurmagomedov's grounded trial were ne'er released publicly, and he was not stripped of nan Bellator lightweight title.

At nan time, Bellator did not do its ain supplier trial programme, alternatively relying connected different State Commissions successful nan US to behaviour supplier testing astir events.

Since past nan Professional Fighters League (PFL) has purchased Bellator and joined forces pinch nan US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) successful 2023 for year-round testing.

The Dagestani fighter, relative of UFC fable Khabib Nurmagomedov, remains undefeated pinch 17 wins connected his record.

Nurmagomedov was heavy criticised by nan likes of Primus successful nan aftermath of nan suspension, but says he "doesn't care" astir his critics.

"I didn't do nothing. I cognize who I am. I ne'er did thing for illustration steroids aliases thing for illustration that," he said.

"People only talk astir this because they cannot triumph [against] us, and they person to opportunity something, and they chose this measurement - 'Oh, this feline does steroids'.

"OK, guys. You tin talk immoderate you want, but who cares?"

Nurmagomedov competes connected nan PFL's continuing Bellator Champion Series, which began aft nan MMA promotions merged.