Russian lightweight division Bellator fighter Alexandr Shabliy in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net commented on the information about his title fight with Usman Nurmagomedov.
Alexandr Shabliy exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
Now I'm waiting for confirmation that the fight with Usman Nurmagomedov will happen. The approximate date is the middle of May. I have given my consent, but only if it is a fight for the Grand Prix championship and for the title. I understand that the organization doesn't want to follow through. Now we are waiting for a final answer from them. Naturally, winning a million dollars for the Grand Prix is a matter of principle. I went all the way from the start to the end, I met all the requirements. Now we are waiting for a response from the PFL.
Alexandr Shabliy became a finalist in the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix, defeating Brazilian Patricky Freire by unanimous decision of the judges in the semifinals in November 2023. Usman Nurmagomedov defeated American Brent Primus by unanimous decision in the semifinals at Bellator 300, but was disqualified after the fight for having a banned substance in his doping sample.