"I hope Khabib is going to put the belt on my waist" - Usman Nurmagomedov vows to "maul" Alexandr Shabliy at Bellator San Deigo

Usman Nurmagomedov (left) hopes Khabib Nurmagomedov (right photo, left) puts the belt around his waist this weekend. [Image credit: @usman_nurmagomedov on Instagram] — Usman Nurmagomedov (left) hopes Khabib Nurmagomedov (right photo, left) puts the belt around his waist this weekend. [Images courtesy: @usman_nurmagomedov on Instagram]

Undefeated Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov will defend his belt against Alexandr Shabliy at Bellator Champions Series 4 this weekend. This will be Nurmagomedov's third attempt to defend his throne since winning it back in 2022. His opponent, fellow Russian Shabliy, is on a nine-fight winning streak, with a most recent win over former divisional kingpin Patricky Pitbull.

Ahead of his bout with Shabliy, Nurmagomedov spoke to MMA Junkie to discuss his preparations with his team at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in California. When asked who will be in his corner on fight night, Nurmagomedov said:

"Khabib [Nurmagomedov], Javier [Mendez], Umar [Nurmagomedov], and we'll see [miles]."

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When asked how good it feels to have former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who took a short break from coaching, back in his corner again, the Bellator lightweight champ said:

"You know, with me, with us, he [Khabib] was all the time our corner, you know. Even when we fight between rounds, he watched fight and between rounds he called to corners and tell them what we need to do like in fight...But now he's with us and I'm so happy... I hope he is going to put this belt on my [waist]."

Watch the interview below:

Usman Nurmagomedov details how he'll beat Alexandr Shabliy at Bellator San Diego

Bellator San Diego will be Usman Nurmagomedov's much-awaited return to action after 11 months away from the cage. His last bout, a unanimous decision win over Brent Primus at Bellator 300 in October last year, was overturned due to the champion testing positive for banned substances found in a prescription drug. Due to the unintentional nature of the incident, Nurmagomedov wasn't stripped of his belt but was instead suspended for six months.

Now that he is ready and eager to defend his belt again, Nurmagomedov gave a bold prediction as to what the outcome will be this weekend (via MMA Junkie):