Usman Nurmagomedov is still undefeated and the Bellator lightweight champion after going the distance with Alexander Shabliy.
The lightweight title bout headlined Bellator Champions Series: San Diego, which took place at Pechanga Arena. It was a chess match of a title fight, but after 25 minutes, Nurmagomedov (18-0) was declared the winner over Shabliy (24-4) with scores of 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46.
Shabliy found success early with the right hand, scoring with quick counters as Nurmagomedov pressed forward with strikes. Nurmagomeodv nearly got full control of Shabliy’s back, but rode up too high, and the remainder of the close opening round played out on the feet.
