No matter who gets it done on Saturday, the world of MMA will see a new Russian millionaire.
Atop Bellator Championship Series: Nurmagomedov vs. Shabliy in San Diego on Sept. 7, Usman Nurmagomedov (17-0, 1 NC) will put his lightweight strap on the line against Alexander Shabliy (24-3). The victor will not only claim the Bellator MMA 155-pound throne, but also a check for $1 million. On their way to glory, both Russians defeated former champ Patricky Freire, who weighed in on the matchup to Sherdog.
At Bellator 288 in November 2022, Freire surrendered his belt to Nurmagomedov prior to the commencement of the tourney.