The Nurmagomedov name has become synonymous with undefeated fight careers and dominant performances in the lightweight division. Usman Nurmagomedov, cousin of former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, continued the family tradition on Saturday night in San Diego. He successfully defended his Bellator lightweight championship with a one-sided unanimous-decision victory over former champion Brent Primus in the main event of the highly-anticipated Bellator 300.
Usman Nurmagomedov, at just 25 years old, showcased his skills and dominance in the lightweight division. Unlike his cousin Khabib, who primarily relied on smothering wrestling throughout his career, Usman showcased a striking-heavy approach. He delivered a relentless onslaught of kicks to Primus’ legs, torso, and head. These strikes damaged Primus, preventing him from posing any significant threat during the five rounds of the fight.
From the very beginning, Nurmagomedov took control of the fight. In the first round, he landed a staggering 38 strikes compared to Primus’ 9. The domination continued throughout the whole duration of the bout. Primus constantly pressed forward, but Nurmagomedov managed to evade most of his attacks and capitalize with counterpunches and takedowns. By the end of the fight, Primus’ face displayed multiple cuts, bruises, and swelling, a testament to Nurmagomedov’s precise and powerful striking.
With this victory, Usman Nurmagomedov advances to the finals of the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix. He is set to face the winner of the upcoming semifinal matchup between Patricky “Pitbull” Freire and Alexander Shabliy, scheduled for November 17. Nurmagomedov already dethroned Freire last November, and he will undoubtedly be looking to continue his winning streak and further solidify his position as one of the most dominant fighters in the lightweight division.
Usman Nurmagomedov was not the only champion who showcased their skills at Bellator 300. The card featured two other title fights, displaying the incredible talent within the promotion. In the co-main event, women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg exhibited her dominance by mauling Cat Zingano in the first round. Meanwhile, Liz Carmouche secured a fourth-round TKO against former women’s flyweight champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane in the main card opener.
Cris Cyborg, considered one of the greatest fighters in women’s MMA history, put on a clinic in her fight against Cat Zingano. Despite a year and a half layoff, Cyborg showed no signs of rust. She systematically dismantled Zingano, demonstrating her strength and skills in every aspect of the fight. Cyborg’s power was on full display as she punished Zingano for every takedown attempt and clinch. The fight was ultimately stopped in the first round, adding to Cyborg’s impressive record of 21 career knockouts.
The matchup between San Diego-based friends and former training partners, Liz Carmouche and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, showcased their mutual respect through minimal engagement. However, Carmouche’s strategic leg kicks took a toll on Macfarlane, who had a preexisting knee injury. In the fifth round, Macfarlane succumbed to the pain after absorbing a kick to the knee, leading to a TKO victory for Carmouche.
Carmouche expressed the difficulty of facing someone she considered a friend and acknowledged the emotional challenges that came with their matchup. Macfarlane’s failure to make weight made the championship belt ineligible to be earned, and if she had won, the title would have been declared vacant. Despite the complexities surrounding the fight, Carmouche displayed her resilience and emerged victorious in a bittersweet moment.
Bellator 300 promised an exhilarating night of fights, and it delivered on its promise. Although the heavyweight defense by Ryan Bader was canceled due to Linton Vassell’s withdrawal, the domination showcased by Usman Nurmagomedov and the impressive performances by Cris Cyborg and Liz Carmouche made it a memorable event for fight fans. These athletes have solidified their positions as champions within the promotion and will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences with their skills and determination. The Nurmagomedov legacy remains intact, and Bellator 300 stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of these fighters.
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