Usman Nurmagomedov beats Alexander Shabliy and retains the Bellator title

Usman Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Alexander Shabliy in the main event of Bellator Championship Series 4 at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

The fight lacked action and drama as Nurmagomedov (18-0, 1 NC) won a tactical battle, throwing punches and kicks to secure the win with scores of 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46.

“He was such a tough guy,” said 26-year-old Nurmagomedov about his Russian opponent. “I’m happy with my win and want to defend my title next in Dubai.”

Former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee sat in the cage area and could be the next champion should he get past Paul Hughes in their meeting in October.

Nurmagomedov is the younger brother of UFC bantamweight Umar, cousin of former UFC lightweight Khabib and teammate of current UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev. His win on Saturday was the second successful defense of his lightweight title, which he won in November 2022. His October 2023 unanimous decision victory over Brent Primus was converted to a no-contest after Nurmagomedov tested positive for a banned substance in a prescription drug.

Undefeated in his nine previous professional fights, including a unanimous decision victory over former Bellator lightweight champion Patricky Pitbull last November, Shabliy (24-4) proved to be a tough nut to crack for Nurmagomedov, but his reluctance to start the fight cost him his first chance at a world title.

Nurmagomedov, arguably the most dynamic striker at Eagle MMA, frequently switched stances and offered different attacking options to create an opening. But Shabliy was responsible defensively, countering effectively with right hands whenever Nurmagomedov closed the distance. But those strikes were too far apart and too infrequent to convince the judges.

Nurmagomedov continued to push forward in the second round, but Shabliy was able to fend off the Dagestani fighter’s takedown attempts and stay out of harm’s way. Nurmagomedov found a way to use leg kicks in the third round and landed a solid uppercut in another exciting round, with the crowd getting restless due to the lack of drama.

The biggest moment of the fight came late in the fourth round when Nurmagomedov landed a left head kick to Shabliy’s head, knocking him down. The champion was in complete control for the final 75 seconds of the round.

The last round was similar: Shabliy waited for the perfect punch and Nurmagomedov denied him that. A few boos echoed through the arena as both fighters had hardly any attack points left and the fight was coming to an end.