Khabib hails Usman Nurmagomedov as one of the 'best in the world' after Bellator win

"I was [one of the best lightweights in the world] before, now it’s our brother Islam, and Usman is next."

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Following Usman Nurmagomedov's dominant victory at Bellator Championship Series 4, Khabib Nurmagomedov wasted no time in praising his younger cousin, hailing him as one of the top lightweight fighters in the world.

"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," Khabib remarked.

Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defended his lightweight title with a unanimous decision over Alexander Shabliy in the main event of Bellator Championship Series 4, held at San Diego's Pechanga Arena.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Хабиб Нурмагомедов (@khabib_nurmagomedov)

The fight, largely lacking in action and high drama, saw Nurmagomedov (18-0, 1 NC) outpoint his Russian compatriot with precise strikes, earning the victory with scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46.

“He was incredibly tough,” Nurmagomedov, 26, said post-fight. “I’m happy with the win and hope to defend my title next in Dubai.”

Former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee, who was watching from cageside, is a potential next opponent for Nurmagomedov, provided he overcomes Paul Hughes in October.

Nurmagomedov, the younger brother of UFC bantamweight Umar and cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib, is also a teammate of reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

This marks his second successful title defense since claiming the lightweight belt in November 2022. His October 2023 victory over Brent Primus was ruled a no contest following a positive drug test for a banned substance in a prescription medication.

Shabliy (24-4), who came into the fight with an unbeaten streak of nine matches, including a win over former Bellator lightweight champion Patricky Pitbull, proved a tough challenge but was hesitant to engage.

This reluctance ultimately cost him his first shot at the world title.

Known for his striking versatility at Eagle MMA, Nurmagomedov frequently switched stances and attacked with a variety of offensive maneuvers.

Shabliy, however, remained defensively sound, countering effectively when Nurmagomedov closed the distance, though his attempts lacked frequency to sway the judges.

Nurmagomedov continued to press forward in the second round, but Shabliy’s defense held, keeping him out of danger.

The third round saw Nurmagomedov landing more kicks and a clean uppercut, although the audience grew restless with the lack of action.

The bout’s biggest moment came in the fourth round, when Nurmagomedov landed a left head kick and secured a takedown, maintaining control for the final moments of the round.

In the final round, both fighters remained cautious, leading to a smattering of boos from the crowd as the bout concluded with little offensive activity.