This was announced in an interview with MMA Fighting by Bellator MMA president, Scott Coker. Until then, the Russian fighter will retain his status as the organization’s reigning lightweight champion and a participant in the Bellator lightweight grand prix.
At the same time, Nurmagomedov’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, claims that his ward will not be stripped of the title and will hold a rematch with Brent Primus, whom he defeated in the semifinals of the competition by unanimous decision. This information was indirectly confirmed by Bellator commentator John McCarthy, who said at the Bellator 301 press conference that the American fighter remains a participant in the grand prix.
Last week, the head of the California State Athletic Commission, Andy Foster, announced that Usman Nurmagomedov had failed doping tests and was disqualified for six months, and that his fight with Brent Primus, headlining the Bellator 300 tournament in San Diego on October 7, had been ruled a no contest.
The Russian in a published statement acknowledged the presence of a banned substance in his system, explaining that it was part of a medication prescribed to him by his doctor. At the same time, Nurmagomedov did not have a therapeutic authorization to use the drug, as he did not notify the Athletic Commission.
Recall that the second finalist of the grand prix of lightweights will be determined already this weekend at the tournament Bellator 301 in Chicago in a fight between Russian Alexander Shabliy and Brazilian Patricky Freire.