With Khabib in the corner, Usman Nurmagomedov expresses 'dream come true' for returning to Bellator

U. Nurmagomedov (right) was hired by Bellator in 2022. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Near the end of his doping suspension, Usman Nurmagomedov defends the Bellator lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) when he faces Alexandr Shabliy this Saturday (7), in San Diego, California. Undefeated in almost 20 professional fights, the fighter seeks to maintain the hegemony of the 'Dagestan Clan' in the most competitive category of MMA.

According to the champion, the return of his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, the corner has been fundamental in this preparation.

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“He was always by our side. Even when (he wasn’t there) and we were fighting, between rounds he would call and tell us what we needed to do in the fight. People think he left and didn’t talk about fights, but we talked all the time. He just took some time off to enjoy himself with his family, but now he’s with us and I’m very happy. I hope he puts the belt around my waist,” he told the North American website 'MMA Junkie'.

Despite not giving details about his future in the organization, Nurmagomedov guaranteed a great performance against his compatriot.

“I don’t know about the future. I only have one goal: to defend my title. I think I’m going to beat this guy in all five rounds. But then we’ll see,” he concluded.

Usman Nurmagomedov is back!

This is the Russian's first fight since the PFL bought Bellator. His last appearance was almost a year ago, when he defeated former champion Brent Primus, a fight later changed to a 'no contest' due to the fighter's drug test result.

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