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.