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The highly anticipated Bellator lightweight grand prix semifinal title fight is back on the books. Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov is set to defend his title on September 7 against Alexander Shabliy at Bellator Champions Series: San Diego. The event will take place at Pechanga Arena, as announced by the promotion after an initial report from the OC Register.
Usman Nurmagomedov (17-0) was initially expected to face Alexander Shabliy (24-3) in May. However, an injury forced Nurmagomedov to withdraw. This upcoming fight marks his return to the ring following a controversial period. His last fight in October against Brent Primus resulted in a unanimous decision win that was later overturned to a no contest due to a positive drug test. The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) did not disclose the substance involved in the test failure, leaving fans and critics in speculation.
Despite this setback, Nurmagomedov remains undefeated in victories, with notable wins against seasoned fighters like Benson Henderson and Patricky Pitbull Freire. His return to the ring is highly anticipated as he looks to solidify his dominance in the lightweight division.
Alexander Shabliy, on the other hand, aims to extend his impressive winning streak to ten. His recent triumphs include victories over Brent Primus, Tofiq Musayev, and Patricky “Pitbull.” Shabliy's performance has been nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his skill and determination.
In May, Shabliy voiced his frustration with the PFL-Bellator merger, which disrupted the $1 million grand prix. He felt the regime failed to honor their commitment, leaving the grand prix half-complete. This fight against Nurmagomedov is not just a title defense but a statement of his place in the lightweight division.
As the date approaches, excitement builds for the Bellator Champions Series: San Diego. Currently, no other fights have been announced for the card, but the showdown between Nurmagomedov and Shabliy promises to be a highlight of the event.
With both fighters eager to prove themselves, this clash at Pechanga Arena is set to be an unmissable event for MMA fans worldwide.
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