Usman Nurmagomedov couldn’t be happier along with his preparation for the Bellator Champions Collection: San Diego important occasion, and he thinks it’s going to lead to a dominant efficiency.
Nurmagomedov (17-0) returns to competitors for the primary time in 11 months Saturday when he places his light-weight championship on the road in opposition to Alexandr Shabliy (24-3) at Pechanga Area in San Diego, Calif. The complete card streams on Max.
The longest break of Nurmagomedov’s profession was a results of a suspension from the California State Athletic Fee after he examined for a banned substance that resulted in his Bellator 300 win over Brent Primus being overturned. He took a prescription medicine he claims unknowingly contained a substance that led to the constructive take a look at, however has maintained his innocence in opposition to any try and cheat for performance-enhancing functions.
With the tough second behind him, Nurmagomedov is now trying forward. He spent the ultimate month of his coaching camp at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif., and is able to get again to doing what he does greatest.
“I really like this place as a result of it’s one hour (flight) from San Diego, the place I’ll combat,” Nurmagomedov instructed MMA Junkie. “It’s an excellent place for coaching. Excellent individuals round me. Javier (Mendez), Khabib (Nurmagomedov), my brothers. All people is right here. All people has helped me and I’m prepared.”
Nurmagomedov could have an all-star nook for his combat. Mendez, Khabib Nurmagomedov and his brother Umar Nurmagomedov, and that solely drives the champion to placed on a extra spectacular efficiency.
Khabib has been absent from his cousin’s nook for the previous few fights, however Nurmagomedov stated his presence has nonetheless been felt. It is going to be particular to have him there in individual for the primary time as a title-fight competitor, although, and Nurmagomedov stated it’s his imaginative and prescient to have Khabib wrap the title round him as soon as he wins.
“On a regular basis he was in our nook,” Nurmagomedov stated. “Even when (he wasn’t there) and we combat, between rounds he would name to nook us and inform them what we have to do within the combat. Folks assume he went out and he wouldn’t discuss fights, however we on a regular basis talked. He simply took a while to get pleasure from along with his household, however now he’s with us and I’m so joyful. I hope he’s going to place the belt round my waist. I hope Khabib goes to place the belt on me.”
Nurmagomedov’s bout at Bellator Champions Collection: San Diego will likely be his first because the firm was acquired by the PFl. There’s been a litany of adjustments because the two banners have been introduced collectively, with some athletes leaping back-and-forth relying on the circumstances.
The promotional brass haven’t shared a lot perception on its future plans for somebody like Nurmagomedov, and he stated he’s not been made aware about how he’ll be used going ahead.
“Truthfully I don’t know,” Nurmagomedov stated. “I didn’t take a look at the longer term, however I really like these guys from Bellator – all of the workers, all of them who give me these alternatives. I simply wish to say thanks for everyone. I really like being in Bellator. I don’t know in regards to the future. I solely have one objective: That is to defend my title. However after, we are going to see.”
For now, Nurmagomedov is concentrated on the duty at hand. Shabliy is way from a simple opponent, and earlier than the PFL-Bellator merger, it was initially meant to be the finals of the Bellator light-weight grand prix.
It’s nonetheless a high-stakes title combat, although, and Nurmagomedov’s objective is identical as all the time: Dominate and hold his undefeated document in tact.
“I feel I’m going to maul this man all 5 rounds,” Nurmagomedov stated. “You’ll be able to watch this. Take pleasure in it.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion web page for Bellator Champions Collection: San Diego.
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