The Nurmagomedov name is synonymous with undefeated fight careers and dominant performances in the lightweight division. Usman Nurmagomedov, the cousin of former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, furthered this family tradition on Saturday night in San Diego. He successfully defended his Bellator lightweight championship with a one-sided unanimous decision victory over former champ Brent Primus in the main event of Bellator 300.
Usman Nurmagomedov’s victory in the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix semifinal showcased his extraordinary skills inside the cage. Unlike his cousin Khabib, who relied on smothering wrestling to achieve his 29-0 record, Usman dominated his fight primarily with striking. Throughout the bout, he delivered a relentless array of kicks to the legs, torso, and head of Primus. These strikes inflicted significant damage, preventing Primus from presenting a serious threat during the five rounds.
The numbers speak for themselves. By the end of the first round, Nurmagomedov had landed an astounding 38 strikes compared to Primus’ 9. The following rounds offered no respite for Primus, as Nurmagomedov continued his target practice on his way to a unanimous decision victory. Despite Primus’ relentless forward movement, Nurmagomedov’s elusiveness and counterpunches kept him at bay. By the end of the fight, Primus wore the signs of a defeated challenger with a puffy and reddened face, displaying multiple cuts and bruises.
After the match, Nurmagomedov expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating, “I think I did a good job.” The Dagestani fighter, who now trains in San Jose, California, remained humble in his triumph. All three judges scored the bout 50-45 in his favor, solidifying an undisputed victory. Nurmagomedov’s technical excellence and dedication to his craft were on full display, earning him the rightful title of the night’s victor.
A Night of Champions
While Usman Nurmagomedov’s dominant performance stole the spotlight, it was not the sole highlight of the event. Two other champions showcased their incredible skills in their respective fights. Cris Cyborg, the women’s featherweight champion, displayed why she is considered one of the greatest fighters in women’s MMA history. She mauled Cat Zingano in the first round, demonstrating her mastery of the sport.
Despite a year and a half without stepping inside the octagon, Cyborg showed no signs of rust in her skills. The Brazilian fighter, now based in Southern California, systematically dismantled Zingano’s every attempt at a takedown and clinch. The fight ended at the 4:01 mark of the first round with Cyborg delivering punishing blows after countering a takedown shot. With the referee waving off the fight, Cyborg secured her seventh consecutive victory and fifth title defense, the most of any current Bellator champion.
Zingano, who had previously challenged Ronda Rousey for the UFC bantamweight championship in 2015, aimed for redemption. However, Cyborg’s formidable power and skills proved insurmountable for the 41-year-old challenger. Despite her defeat, Zingano exhibited incredible resilience and determination in her second bid for a world championship.
In a bittersweet match, friends and former training partners Liz Carmouche and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane squared off in the main card opener. The mutual respect between the two fighters was evident in their minimal engagement throughout the fight. The referee, in an attempt to stir up more action, implored the fighters to increase their intensity before the start of the second and third rounds.
Carmouche’s strategic targeting of Macfarlane’s injured left knee proved to be the decisive factor in the fight. A kick to Macfarlane’s compromised knee in the third round left her visibly weakened. Carmouche continued to exploit this weakness with relentless leg kicks, leaving Macfarlane increasingly hobbled. Ultimately, just 17 seconds into the fifth round, Macfarlane fell to the canvas in agony after absorbing another knee kick from Carmouche.
Carmouche, though triumphant, acknowledged the difficulty of fighting someone she considered a friend. “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t difficult,” she confessed. The mutual respect and camaraderie shared by Carmouche and Macfarlane was tested in this matchup, underscoring the emotional challenges that come with competing against a friend.
Despite its initial plans to feature four title bouts, Bellator 300 experienced a last-minute change when Ryan Bader’s heavyweight defense was canceled due to Linton Vassell’s withdrawal. Nevertheless, the event showcased the undeniable dominance and skill of Usman Nurmagomedov, Cris Cyborg, and Liz Carmouche. Each fighter left an indelible mark on the night, solidifying their status as champions within the MMA realm.
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