The variety of viable title contenders in Bellator’s light-weight division seemingly are few in the mean time, however Usman Nurmagomedov sees one logical and vital matchup on the horizon.
Earlier than Nurmagomedov (17-0) can take into consideration defending his 155-pound strap towards anybody else, he first should get by means of Alexandr Shabliy in Saturday’s Bellator Champions Collection: San Diego headliner, which takes place at Pechanga Enviornment and streams on Max.
If Nurmagomedov will get the job performed, although, and maintains his undefeated file, he thinks the rightful high contender is A.J. McKee, who’s a former featherweight champion and some of the embellished fighters in Bellator historical past.
McKee (22-1) reportedly is anticipated to face Paul Hughes at PFL: Battle of the Giants on Oct. 19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and if he wins that, then Nurmagomedov thinks he will likely be poised for an opportunity to win a Bellator title in a second division.
“I feel if he’s wholesome and he’s prepared, I feel it’s going to be A.J. McKee,” Nurmagomedov instructed MMA Junkie. “He’s a troublesome man. I feel he’s going to win (towards Hughes), after which subsequent combat, I feel it’s going to be A.J. McKee vs. Usman Nurmagomedov.”
Ryan Bader, Patricio Freire and Joe Warren are the one Bellator fighters to carry belts in two weight lessons. A number of others have tried and failed over the course of firm historical past, and McKee might be subsequent on the record.
Given their household names and success in MMA competitors, a matchup between Nurmagomedov and McKee is seemingly some of the vital matchups and points of interest that might be made within the Bellator light-weight division.
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion web page for Bellator Champions Collection: San Diego.
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