Reigning lightweight champion Umar Nurmagomedov and Russian contender Alexander Shabliy each punched their tickets to the semifinals of Bellator's current lightweight grand prix with victories at Saturday's Bellator 292.
Nurmagomedov scored an impressive first-round submission win over Benson Henderson in the night’s main event, which aired on Showtime from the SAP Center. Meanwhile, Shabliy earned an odd TKO win over Tofiq Musayev in the night’s co-feature.
In the headliner, Nurmagomedov rocked Henderson early with a beautifully timed question-mark kick and then jumped on his back. While "Smooth" did his best to defend multiple submission attempts, Nurmagomedov eventually locked in a rear-naked choke, earning a tap at the 2:37 mark of the first frame.
The 24-year-old Nurmagomedov (17-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) will now face the winner of May's Mansour Barnaoui vs. Brent Primus clash in the tournament semifinals.
Meanwhile, the 39-year-old Henderson (30-12 MMA, 7-7 BMMA) retired following the setback.
“I’ve had a nice, long run,” Henderson said. “I’ve done a lot of great things and was able to do a lot of amazing accomplishments, and thank you to everybody around the world. Thank you guys for your love and support.”
In the co-main event, Shabliy advanced following a bizarre finishing sequence.
After a tactical opening two rounds with a hard-hitting Musayev, Shabliy landed a front kick to the body. However, as he retracted the leg, his foot grazed his opponent's cup, leading referee Jason Herzog to call for time.
As Herzog watched the replay and confirmed that a legal blow had caused the real damage in the sequence, he informed Musayev that if he could not continue, the bout would be awarded as a TKO win to his opponent. Holding his torso, Musayev (20-5 MMA, 1-1 BMMA) confirmed he could not carry on, and Shabliy (23-3 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) was awarded the victory at the 29-second mark of the third frame.
Bellator president Scott Coker later confirmed Musayev suffered a broken rib in the sequence.
Shabliy will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Patricky "Pitbull" Freire and A.J. McKee.
Complete Bellator 292 Results
MAIN CARD (Showtime)
- Champ Usman Nurmagomedov def. Benson Henderson via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:37 – to defend lightweight title; lightweight grand prix quarterfinal
- Alexander Shabliy def. Tofiq Musayev via TKO (kick) – Round 3, 0:29 – lightweight grand prix quarterfinal
- Linton Vassell def. Valentin Moldavsky via knockout (elbow) – Round 1, 3:03
- Michael Page def. Goiti Yamauchi via TKO (leg kick) – Round 1, 0:26
