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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matthew Wells and Matt Erickson

Usman Nurmagomedov vows to become first Dagestani Bellator champion: ‘My name will be saved in the history books’

CHICAGO – Undefeated Bellator lightweight Usman Nurmagomedov is ready to make Bellator history.

At Bellator 288, Nurmagomedov (15-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) challenges Patricky Freire for the lightweight title in the co-main event at Wintrust Arena. It will be the first five-round fight of his unblemished career, but assures he is ready for the task.

Standing in his way of making history as the first fighter from Dagestan to win a Bellator title will be Freire (24-10 MMA, 15-8 BMMA), the 36-year-old Brazilian champion who will be putting his newly-acquired title on the line.

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