No matter who gets it done on Saturday, the world of MMA will see a
new Russian millionaire.
Atop
Bellator Championship Series: Nurmagomedov vs. Shabliy in San
Diego on Sept. 7, Usman
Nurmagomedov (17-0, 1 NC) will put his lightweight strap on the
line against Alexander Shabliy (24-3). The victor will not only
claim the Bellator MMA 155-pound throne, but also a check for $1
million. On their way to glory, both Russians defeated former champ
Patricky
Freire, who weighed in on the matchup to Sherdog.
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At Bellator 288 in November 2022, Freire surrendered his belt to
Nurmagomedov prior to the commencement of the tourney. A year
later, “Pitbull” collided with Shabliy at Bellator 301, and he lost
on the scorecards once more. With the experience of facing both
across 25-minute engagements, the ex-champ believes the fight will
be a lengthy endeavor, while suggesting that sizeable betting
underdog +325 Shabliy should be favored.
“I believe Usman will avoid the stand-up game,” Freire explained.
“Shabliy has very good footwork and uses his long range with
powerful jabs very well, and I believe it will be a problem to
Usman.”
Although Nurmagomedov is known for his exceptional wrestling,
Freire does not expect the current champion will be able impose his
will through grappling.
“Shabliy also has a very good wrestling, so I don’t see him being
taken down by Nurmagomedov. Even if Usman does, Shabliy will stand
up fast and impose his better striking. I see him winning by
decision in a five-round war,” the Brazilian analyzed.
One of Shabliy’s chief corners, coach “Parrumpa” Marcos
DaMatta, also favors his pupil in the high-stakes matchup.
DaMatta agrees with “Pitbull” that striking will be how the ATT
representative claims the prize.
“Only a better [striker] without excellent takedown defense would
favor Usman,” DaMatta suggested. “The point is that Shabliy is a
better striker but also has [some] of the best defensive wrestling
on the sport, and that was recognized even by Islam
Makhachev, who said other day, ‘after me, Usman, Arman
[Tsarukyan] and Shabliy are the best wrestlers of the
division.”
Using another common foe, the beloved coach from American Top Team
pointed to Nurmagomedov and Shabliy’s matches against Brent
Primus as a potential bellwether.
“Shabliy knocked Primus out in the second round,” “Parrumpa” noted.
“It was not even a close fight, while Usman had a tough time
defeating Primus in a close five-round war. But of course, each
fight is a different fight and anything can happen, but I truly
believe Shabliy has more tools to win that [grand prix].”