Usman Nurmagomedov showcased his tactical prowess in a dominant performance against Alexander Shabliy at the Bellator Championship Series 4. Despite the lack of high-flying action and dramatic moments, Nurmagomedov managed to secure a unanimous decision victory with scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46. The 26-year-old Russian fighter expressed his satisfaction with the win and set his sights on defending his title in Dubai.
Former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee was present at the event and could potentially be the next challenger for Nurmagomedov’s title, provided he gets past Paul Hughes in their upcoming match. Nurmagomedov, who is part of the esteemed Eagle MMA camp, comes from a lineage of fighters including his cousin, former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, and his teammate, current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Nurmagomedov’s victory in this fight marked his second successful defense of the lightweight title that he had won in November 2022.
Alexander Shabliy, Nurmagomedov’s opponent in this match, proved to be a formidable challenger with an impressive unbeaten streak leading up to the fight. Despite his solid defense and counter-striking abilities, Shabliy fell short in his first attempt at a world title due to his reluctance to initiate the action. Nurmagomedov, known for his dynamic striking and ability to create openings, constantly switched stances and offered various offensive looks throughout the fight.
As the fight progressed, Nurmagomedov started to find success with leg kicks and landed a significant uppercut in the exchanges. The pivotal moment came in the fourth round when Nurmagomedov executed a powerful head kick followed by a takedown, gaining top control to finish the round strong. Despite Shabliy’s efforts to wait for the perfect opportunity, Nurmagomedov’s relentless pressure and strategic approach denied him any significant openings.
In the final round, both fighters struggled to make a significant impact, leading to a lackluster finish that drew some dissatisfaction from the audience. However, Nurmagomedov’s calculated performance and his ability to control the pace of the fight ultimately secured him the victory. As he looks ahead to his future title defenses, Nurmagomedov’s tactical approach and well-rounded skills make him a formidable champion in the Bellator lightweight division.
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