Usman Nurmagomedov wants Khabib to hand over the title at Bellator San Diego

Usman Nurmagomedov couldn’t be happier with his preparation for the main event of Bellator Champions Series: San Diego and believes it will result in a dominant performance.

Nurmagomedov (17-0) returns to competition for the first time in 11 months on Saturday when he puts his lightweight championship title on the line against Alexandr Shabliy (24-3) at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, Calif. The entire program will be streamed on Max.

The longest layoff of Nurmagomedov’s career was the result of a suspension by the California State Athletic Commission after he was tested for a banned substance, which resulted in his win over Brent Primus at Bellator 300 being nullified. He took a prescription medication that he claims unknowingly contained a substance that led to the positive test, but has maintained his innocence of any attempts at cheating to enhance his performance.

Nurmagomedov has put that difficult moment behind him and is now looking forward. He spent the last month of his training camp at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, and is ready to get back to doing what he does best.

“I love this place because it’s an hour’s flight from San Diego, where I’m going to fight,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie. “It’s a very good place to train. I’m surrounded by very nice people. Javier (Mendez), Khabib (Nurmagomedov), my brothers. Everyone is here. Everyone helped me and I’m ready.”

Nurmagomedov will have an all-star corner at his disposal for his fight: Mendez, Khabib Nurmagomedov and his brother Umar Nurmagomedov. This only spurs the champion on to deliver a more spectacular performance.

Khabib hasn’t been in his cousin’s corner in recent fights, but Nurmagomedov said his presence is still felt. However, having him there in person for the first time as a title contender will be special, and Nurmagomedov said it is his vision for Khabib to tie the title around himself if he wins.

“He was in our corner the whole time,” Nurmagomedov said. “Even when (he wasn’t there) and we were fighting, he would call between rounds to corner us and tell them what we need to do in the fight. People think he goes out and doesn’t talk about fighting, but we talked the whole time. He just took some time to enjoy with his family, but now he’s with us and I’m so happy. I hope he’ll put the belt around my waist. I hope Khabib will put the belt around my waist.”

Nurmagomedov’s fight at Bellator Champions Series: San Diego will be his first since the company was acquired by the PFL. Since the two banners merged, there have been quite a few changes, with some athletes moving back and forth depending on the circumstances.

The promotion has not given much insight into their future plans with someone like Nurmagomedov and he said he has not been privy to how he will be used in the future.

“Honestly, I don’t know,” Nurmagomedov said. “I haven’t looked into the future, but I love these people at Bellator – all the staff, everyone who gives me these opportunities. I just want to thank everyone. I love being at Bellator. As for the future, I don’t know anything. I have only one goal: I want to defend my title. But after that, we’ll see.”

For now, Nurmagomedov is focused on the task ahead. Shabliy is anything but an easy opponent and before the PFL-Bellator merger, this was originally supposed to be the final of the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix.

However, it is still a high-stakes title fight and Nurmagomedov’s goal is the same as always: dominate and maintain his undefeated record.

“I think I’m going to take this guy down all five rounds,” Nurmagomedov said. “You can watch it. Enjoy it.”

For more information on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s Bellator Champions Series: San Diego event page.