San Diego, CA — Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov advanced to the lightweight grand prix semifinals at Bellator 300, while maintaining his undefeated record, now standing at 18-0.
A cousin of UFC Hall of Fame member Khabib, Usman has proven to have every bit of the star potential of “The Eagle.” On Saturday, at arguably the biggest show in Bellator history, Usman Nurmagomedov capped off the night with a dominant five-round performance against ex-champ Brent Primus that almost looked easy at times.
Looks can be deceiving, however. Following the fight, Nurmagomedov told Cageside Press that Primus was a “very strong opponent, very good guy. He dominated a lot of guys before. He won so many fights. I’m feeling good. Everything is good.”
Having now secured a place in the grand prix final, Nurmagomedov wasn’t sure what winning the tournament would mean for his legacy.
“I don’t know. I have a lot more things to accomplish. Even if I win this grand prix tournament, it’s not going to be the end for me, it’s just the beginning.”
What it will mean for his pocketbook is a million dollars, should he win it all — the biggest payday of Nurmagomedov’s career. At just 25, he still has a lot of time ahead of him however.
Asked who he expects to see in the finale — Alexander Shabliy faces Patricky Pitbull next month — Nurmagomedov said simply, “Doesn’t matter.”
Though he has history with Pitbull — Nurmagomedov defeated the Brazilian to capture Bellator’s lightweight crown last November — he doesn’t appear to have a preference. “I don’t choose. These guys have [a] fight, let them fight. Who will win, we’re gonna be waiting on the top. In the final, we’ll see.”
At just 25, Usman is a decade younger than Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired with am unblemished record of 29-0. Asked about hitting that mark or surpassing it, Usman Nurmagomedov said only that “I don’t look too much [in the] future. I’m so happy to be here now, talking with you guys.”
His record, however, tells him that “you did a good job,” while showing him to needs to “go ahead to the next level and do it again.”
Watch the full Bellator 300 post-fight press conference with Usman Nurmagomedov above.
