Usman Nurmagomedov had a victorious return to the Bellator octagon, defeating Alexandr Shabliy in a five-round bout. UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov joined the lightweight champion in his corner. As such, many might have expected a spectacular finish or domination. Though Nurmagomedov won the bout by unanimous decision, it lacked the entertainment factor.
It was Usman Nurmagomedov’s second Bellator lightweight title defense since winning it in 2022 by beating Patricky Pitbull. Nurmagomedov, who has never lost in his professional mixed martial arts career, successfully defended his lightweight title against Benson Henderson at Bellator 292. However, a positive drug test resulted in the overturning of his second title defense against Brent Primus.
Going into Bellator 300, Nurmagomedov was extremely hyped about his return against a top fighter like Alexandr Shabliy. The challenger entered the fight with a nine-fight win streak and was expected to create some serious trouble for Nurmagomedov. However, the fight turned out to be rather underwhelming, with both fighters showing little to no urgency.
Shabliy started strong with counter punches, while Nurmagomedov used leg kicks and takedowns. Despite a thumb to the eye, Nurmagomedov recovered and threatened with a head kick and submission in Round 4. Shabliy needed a finish in Round 5 but lacked the determination to do so and lost the bout via decision.
Fight fans react to Usman Nurmagomedov’s lightweight title defense at Bellator 300
Usman Nurmagomedov’s corner featuring Khabib Nurmagomedov was active throughout the fight. The ‘Eagle’ has kept himself busy with his coaching and was pleased by Nurmagomedov’s win. In the octagon interview, Nurmagomedov labeled Usman as the best lightweight in the world, along with UFC champion Islam Makhachev.
Fight fans react to Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Alexandr Shabliy (via MMA Fighting)Previously, Team Khabib mentioned that Usman Nurmagomedov would carry the Dagestani domination in UFC after Makhachev’s retirement. To replace Islam Makhachev, Nurmagomedov will have to put up entertaining fights, which wasn’t the case last night. Here are some reactions from the fight;
I didn’t watch Bellator for a while, and after UFC ended I went to watch this main card, then I remembered why I hadn’t watched Bellator, boring fights and a main fight that was the cure for insomnia, keep it up.
— Maldonado Pepey (@Maldonadopepey) September 8, 2024
Those two hugged after the bell for longer than they spent punching each other over 5 rounds 🙄
— Hue Jass (@huejass702) September 8, 2024
Bellator the biggest clown promotion rigging the scorecards in a close fight and displaying -15000 odds 😭💀
— slayans (@slayans9) September 8, 2024
Shabily a straight bum why are you still only trying to counter punch in the 5th round when you clearly need a finish to win😂
— Sky Forrest (@SkylarForrest13) September 8, 2024
Barely won against a bum. Usman would get killed in the ufc
— Gangbangmma (@gangbangmma) September 8, 2024
Many fight fans called the fight boring and snoozefest with very little action. Few pointed out that the fight was a casual sparring between two friends. In the past, Team Khabib fighters have frequently been criticized for being boring, but they have proven their haters wrong. It would be interesting to see if Usman Nurmagomedov can achieve the same.
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