Usman Nurmagomedov stepped into the cage against Alexandr Shabliy at the Bellator Champion Series San Diego event. This wasn’t just any fight; it was a five-round war that had fans on the edge of their seats.
From the opening bell, it was clear this wouldn’t be a walk in the park for Nurmagomedov. Shabliy, known for his counterpunches, waited for the Dagestani fighter to swing first. However, he could not connect and was even taken down once.
The first round set the tone for what was to come. As the rounds progressed, the intensity only ramped up. Usman Nurmagomedov showcased his world-class grappling, but Shabliy wasn’t going down without a fight. He defended takedowns like his life depended on it.
The championship rounds were a testament to their conditioning and heart. Usman Nurmagomedov dug deep, relying on his wrestling pedigree to control the pace. Shabliy, meanwhile, kept looking for that one big shot to turn the tide.
In the end, Nurmagomedov’s hand was raised. He retained his title, but not without earning every ounce of that shiny belt. His record now stands at 18-0. Alexandr Shabliy, though defeated, earned the respect of everyone watching.
Fight Fans React To Usman Nuramgomedov Retaining His Title
Usman Nurmagomedov, cousin of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, retained his Bellator lightweight title. He stepped into the cage with an undefeated record and got out with the same. The MMA world went bonkers!
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Fight fans took to social media to showcase their reactions to this event. Some fans were impressed with Usman Nurmagomedov’s title defense after a year of inactivity. Others were not very impressed with the lack of finish in the fight. Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:
As the night wound down, one thing was clear: the Nurmagomedov name still carries weight in the MMA world. Usman’s victory wasn’t just a win for him; it was a win for the family legacy. So, what’s next for Usman? Will he continue his reign in Bellator? Or will he follow in Khabib’s footsteps and test himself in the UFC? Only time will tell.
Also Read: Does Usman Nurmagomedov Have a Better Record Than Islam Makhachev?