Usman Nurmagomedov is highly touted as one of the best bright stars that can be the future of MMA. Under the tutelage of the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov, a retired former undefeated lightweight champion in his own right, Nurmagomedov has made marks since coming over to Bellator in 2021. Nurmagomedov won the Bellator Lightweight Championship with a decision over Patricky Pitbull at Bellator 288 in November 2022, retaining the belt with a win over Benson Henderson and a no contest (win overturned) over former champion Brent Primus.
Alexandr Shabliy’s journey into MMA started with karate before adding in boxing and Muay Thai to his repertoire from a young age. Shabliy has proven himself to be a formidable contender, coming into this fight 5-0 in the Bellator cage, which includes wins over Bobby King Primus. Shabliy, in fact, comes into this fight off a win over another former champion, defeating Patricky Pitbull at Bellator 301.
Will Nurmagomedov stay an undefeated champion like cousin Khabib once was? Or will Shabliy be able to stop his unbeaten run and capture the gold?
Round 1
High kick from Nurmagomedov is blocked. Low kick from Nurmagomedov is met with a one-two from Shabliy. Front kick from Nurmagomedov. Shabily with a right hand to counter Nurmagomedov’s round kick. Shabliy initiates a body lock. Knee from Nurmagomedov. Low kick from Nurmagomedov. Front kick from Nurmagomedov. Another one is thrown, but Shabliy is there with the right hand. Nurmagomedov ducks out of a Shabliy combination. Nurmagomedov gets out of a Shabliy body lock, but Shabliy lands a right hand.
Nurmagomedov scores a big takedown and gets right to the back. Nurmagomedov gets in backpack position, but Shabliy is able to shake him off. Each throws a jab. Combination from Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov misses a high kick. Front kick from Nurmagomedov, but Shabily counters. Right hand by Shabliy. Nurmagomedov lands a stomp to the lead leg. Shabily lands a right hand to the body. Left hand by Shabily. Nurmagomedov misses a body kick and misses a high kick.
Round 2
Right hand and a low kick from Nurmagomedov. Low kick from Shabliy. Round kick by Nurmagomedov. Right hand by Shabliy. Low kick from Nurmagomedov. Front kick from Nurmagomedov, but Shabliy has his guard up. Low kick from Shabily. High kick from Nurmagomedov. One-two from Shabily. Shabily looks to take a hold of the back, but Nurmagomedov gets out of the way. Nurmagomedov goes for a combination, but Shabily crowds him. Nurmagomedov initiates a body lock and presses Shabliy against the fence. Nurmagomedov lands a knee but Shabliy gets away.
Low kick from Shabliy. Right hand from Shabliy. Another right hand from Shabily. Nurmagomedov goes for a jumping attack but misses. Both men throw powerful rights, and Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown, putting Shabily against the fence. Nurmagomedov with a knee as Shabily looks to reverse position. Left hand from Shabily. Front kick from Nurmagomedov. Low kick from Nurmagomedov. One-two from Shabliy. Nurmagomedov goes for a takedown, but Shabily gets out of the way. High kick from Nurmagomedov. Left hand from Nurmagomedov as Shabliy throws a kick of his own. Right hand from Shabliy.
Round 3
A lot of moving around the cage to start off this round, both men looking for openings. Nurmagomedov with a short front kick. Both men trade low kicks. Front kick from Nurmagomedov, and Shabliy answers with a right hand. One-two from Shabliy and a low kick from Nurmagomedov. Low kick from Nurmagomedov. Hook from Nurmagomedov. Hook from Shabliy. Hook from Shaliy. Right hand from Shabliy. Low kick from Nurmagomedov.
Body punch from Shabliy. Low kick from Nurmagomedov. Left hand from Nurmagomedov. One-two from Shabily, and Nurmagomedov tries for a takedown unsuccessfully. Left hand from Nurmagomedov. Inside leg kick from Nurmagomedov. Uppercut from Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov with another takedown attempt, but Nurmagomedov answers with a low round kick. Front kick from Shabliy. Nurmagomedov with a small jumping attack, and Shabliy answers with a takedown attempt right before the bell.
Round 4
Left jab from Nurmagomedov. Combination from Nurmagomedov after a low kick from Shabliy. Low kick by Nurmagomedov. Shabliy lands a combination that includes a solid right hand. Big knee from Shabliy and Nurmagomedov stumbles and turns away! But the referee calls for time, and it turns out Nurmagomedov was poked in the eye on the knee. Shabliy given a hard warning before the fight resumes. Shabliy misses a left uppercut. Low round kick by Shabliy.
Brief pause for an accidental eye poke! #BellatorSanDiego | LIVE NOW on @SportsonMAX pic.twitter.com/ZhDMPGFTKw
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) September 8, 2024
Low kick from Nurmagomedov. High kick from Nurmagomedov and Shabliy goes for a right hand. Nurmagomedov goes for a level change, but Shabliy avoids the takedown attempt. The two go chest-to-chest as they clash in the center. High kick from Nurmagomedov, and it wobbled Shabliy! Nurmagomedov goes for a guillotine, but he quickly lets go. Nurmagomedov retains top position on the ground, however. Nurmagomedov looks to set up an arm-triangle, but Shabliy prevents it. Shabliy gets butterfly hooks in. Nurmagomedov lands a strong elbow from the top. Shabliy looks for a heel hook, but Nurmagomedov spins out and stays on top. Shabliy gets back to his feet but is still pinned against the fence by the bell.
BIG MOMENT IN THE FOURTH ROUND! 👀#BellatorSanDiego | LIVE NOW on @SportsonMAX pic.twitter.com/zogeSJ7w0b
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) September 8, 2024
Round 5
Combination from Shabliy. Low side kick from Shabliy. Low kick from Nurmagomedov. Right hand from Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov appearing to keep distance and work on the outside, appearing to force Shabliy to bring the action. Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown but Shabliy stops it. Shabliy just isn’t getting anything going here.
Kick from Nurmagomedov as he keeps his footwork going. Brief body lock sees Shabliy sneak in a right hand. Nurmagomedov misses a high kick. One-two from Nurmagomedov. Low kick from Nurmagomedov. Low kick from Shabily. Low kick from Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov misses a left hand. Nurmagomedov presses Shabliy against the fence. Shabliy gets himself off the fence and looks for his own takedown, but it’s too little, too late.
Official #BellatorSanDiego Result: Usman Nurmagomedov def. Alexandr Shabliy via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46).#AndStill Bellator Lightweight Champion 👑#BellatorSanDiego | LIVE NOW on @SportsonMAX pic.twitter.com/oOKD1p5czR
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) September 8, 2024
OFFICIAL RESULT
Usman Nurmagomedov def. Alexandr Shabliy via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46 x2) to retain the Bellator Lightweight Championship