Bellator San Diego results: Usman Nurmagomedov retains title with tactical decision over Alexander Shabliy

Usman Nurmagomedov is still the Bellator lightweight champion.

The 26-year-old returned to action for the first time in 11 months and retained his title with a unanimous decision win against Alexander Shabliy in the main event of Bellator San Diego — the first defeat for Shabliy in nearly eight years. This also marked Nurmagomedov’s first win since a victory over Brent Primus in October 2023 was overturned to a no-contest when Nurmagomedov tested positive for a banned substance and was subsequently suspended for six months.

Shabliy got off to a good start, landing a solid right hand as his best weapon. Nurmagomedov ended up getting underneath Shabliy to land a big takedown, but the challenger was able to get back up quickly. Shabliy continued to utilize patience with quick and crisp counter punches, while the champion used leg kicks as his best striking maneuver in a competitive first round.

With an intense Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, Usman continued to mix things up on the feet and with takedown attempts in Round 2, but Shabliy held his own in those departments. The third round was a slower-paced stanza, but Nurmagomedov landed several leg kicks that looked like were taking their toll.

Shabliy landed a beautiful combination in the fourth round, but then stuck his thumb directly in Nurmagomedov’s eye. To the champ’s credit, he got right back in there. Referee Mike Beltran issued a stern warning to Shabliy before the action resumed. With a little under two minutes to go in the round, the champion stung Shabliy with a head kick and looked for a submission, but Shabliy did a great job getting back to full guard.

Shabliy entered the fifth round needing a finish, but the sense of urgency didn’t seem to be there, much to the chagrin of the crowd in attendance. Nurmagomedov hung on to improve his record to 18-0, with one judge scoring it 50-45, and the other two scoring it 49-46 for the champ.

In the co-main event, Lorenz Larkin only needed 1:53 to become the No. 1 contender for the Bellator welterweight title, stopping Levan Chokheli in the first round.

The middleweight featured bout saw Aaron Jeffery defeat former welterweight champion Douglas Lima via unanimous decision. When the result was read, it was met with a chorus of boos from the San Diego crowd.

Get full Bellator San Diego results below.

Usman Nurmagomedov def. Alexandr Shabliy via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)

Lorenz Larkin def. Levan Chokheli via TKO - Round 1, 1:53 | Watch Finish

Aaron Jeffery def. Douglas Lima via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Sumiko Inaba def. Mackenzie Stiller via TKO - Round 2, 4:25

Jora Ayvazyan def. Yancy Medeiros via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Jordan Newman def. Imamshafi Aliev via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Masayuki Kikuiri def. Herman Terrado via TKO (body kick) - Round 3, 2:54

Bryce Meredith def. John MaCalolooy via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 3:15 | Watch Finish

Josh Hokit def. Sean Rose via submission (armbar) - Round 1, 4:58

Ashley Thiner def. Aysia Cortez via TKO - Round 2, 3:11