Usman Nurmagomedov accomplished his goal of proving he’s a more complete fighting than Alexander Shabliy in the Bellator Champions Series: San Diego main event – even if he didn’t get the stoppage.
Nurmagomedov (18-0) added to his unblemished record Saturday with a unanimous decision win over Shabliy (24-4) at Pechanga Arena to defend his Bellator lightweight strap. It was a highly tactical affair, albeit slow at times outside of a fourth-round burst where the champion had his challenge on the ropes from a head kick.
Nevertheless, it was a clear victory for Nurmagomedov, who said he was pleased to silence Shabliy’s criticism of his path toward the belt by beating him with the gold on the line.
