Bellator Champions Series is gearing up for an action-packed event in Paris, with two title defenses set to take place. Undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov will be defending his Bellator lightweight title against Alexander Shabliy, while Patchy Mix is putting his bantamweight title on the line against Magomed Magomedov. With both champions facing tough opponents, fans can expect thrilling fights and high-stakes action in the octagon.
Nurmagomedov’s Return
Usman Nurmagomedov is making his comeback after serving a six-month suspension for failing a drug test in California. The cousin of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov was found to have taken a prescribed medication that he did not disclose to the commission. As a result, his victory over Brent Primus was overturned to a no contest. Nurmagomedov, with an impressive record of 17-0, 1 NC, claimed the Bellator lightweight title by defeating Patricky “Pitbull” Freire in November 2022. The 25-year-old Dagestan native has already successfully defended his title once, defeating Benson Henderson in March 2023.
Alexander Shabliy, Nurmagomedov’s opponent, is on a nine-fight winning streak and poses a significant challenge to the undefeated champion. Meanwhile, Patchy Mix, the reigning bantamweight champion, has been dominant in his performances, winning six consecutive fights, with all but one ending in a finish. Mix, who hails from New York and trains out of Las Vegas, claimed the $1 million Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix tournament title in March 2023. His upcoming opponent, Magomed Magomedov, a 32-year-old Dagestan native, is coming off a victory over Danny Sabatello and will be looking to dethrone Mix in Paris.
With both title fights promising to be closely contested battles, fans eagerly anticipate the outcome of the Bellator Champions Series event in Paris. Nurmagomedov and Mix will need to bring their A-game to overcome their determined challengers and retain their titles. The stakes are high, the competition is fierce, and the stage is set for an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action in the heart of France.