Nurmagomedov retains Bellator lightweight title

Usman Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight Bellator title pinch a unanimous determination triumph against Alexander Shabliy successful California.

The 26-year-old was making his return to nan cage aft being banned for six months by nan California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) for failing a supplier trial successful October 2023.

Despite nan grounded test, Nurmagomedov was not stripped of his lightweight title and Shabliy, 31, proved a difficult force during nan 2nd defence of his crown.

Shabliy defended good and did not let Nurmagomedov immoderate easy openings successful what proved to beryllium a tactical, if unspectacular, battle.

Nurmagomedov secured a takedown successful nan 4th information erstwhile he caught Shabliy pinch a caput kick.

Shabily fell down pinch nan judges' scoring and his reluctance to prosecute yet costs him, pinch nan judges scoring 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46 successful Nurmagomedov's favour.

The triumph extended Nurmagomedov's unbeaten grounds to 18 fights, pinch zero defeats and 1 nary contest.

"To beryllium honest, this feline is truthful tough," Nurmagomedov said successful his post-fight interview.

"Alexander Shabliy I deliberation is 1 of nan champion lightweights correct now successful nan world. It was a very reliable conflict for me."

The conclusion ended Shabliy's nine-fight winning streak and was his first nonaccomplishment since 2016.