Usman Nurmagomedov puts his title on the line in the upcoming Bellator 8-man lightweight Grand Prix

As announced by Scott Coker, Bellator is putting together an eight-man lightweight Grand Prix that will see Usman Nurmagomedov put his recently acquired title on the line. Notably, seven other challengers will be battling to take his throne.

The first-ever Dagestani champion under the Bellator banner is high on the list of prospects in the sport of mixed martial arts, holding an unbeaten 16-0 record at just 24 years of age. Having grown up around some elite competitors like his cousin Khabib and Islam Makhachev, the youngster seemingly has a bright future.

The news was initially broken by Scott Coker during an interview with Ariel Helwani and was then relayed on social media where fans can get a better understanding of who will be competing in the upcoming tournament.

"One The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Scott Coker announces a lightweight GP tournament featuring Usman Nurmagomedov, Patricky Pitbull, Tofiq Musaev, Benson Henderson, Alexandr Shabliy, Sidney Outlaw, AJ McKee, and Mansour Barnaoui. $1 million prize for the winner."

Despite winning the title just two months ago, Usman has been thrust into one of the promotion's coveted Grand Prix tournaments—arguably their best to date—and will have a target on his back when it finally gets underway on March 10.

AJ McKee is one of the biggest names in the company and will be pleased to be included in the tournament having just signed a multi-fight deal to remain in the Bellator cage.

'The Mercenary' has already publicly stated his interest in facing the lightweight champion but also has his sights set on a potential brawl with Patricky 'Pitbull', the older brother of Patricio 'Pitbull', the man who handed him his only loss in MMA.

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Who will Usman Nurmagomedov be facing in the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix?

While the brackets haven't been announced by Scott Coker yet, Usman Nurmagomedov may have a tough time retaining his championship when the tournament begins in two months' time.

Alongside the champion and AJ McKee, the GP has a number of tough challengers all aiming to be named the 155lb champion. Tofiq Musayev scored a 30-second knockout in his Bellator debut and will be hoping to ride that momentum to progress through the contest.

22-3 rising star Alexander Shabliy hasn't lost in over half a decade and is capable of finishing opponents wherever the fight takes place. Mansour Barnaoui has never been finished and has a knack for tying up submissions, having secured 13 of them in his career.