Bellator San Diego payouts unveiled: Here’s how much Usman Nurmagomedov, Douglas Lima, and others made on their Sep. 7 outings
The Bellator Champion Series took place in San Diego last weekend, which saw a host of the promotion's talent looking to make a statement. The card was headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov, who successfully defended his lightweight title against Alexander Shabliy.
Nurmagomedov was making his first appearance of 2024 following his no-contest bout against Brent Primus at Bellator 300 last year. What was originally a unanimous decision win for the 26-year-old was overturned after he tested positive for a banned substance. Tests later concluded he had taken the substance unintentionally.
Nurmagomedov shrugged off the controversy, however, and looked backed to his best as he dominated the fight, defending his title and extending his undefeated record (18-0-1) with the unanimous decision win.
Following the event, the disclosed purses were revealed for the fighters that competed on the night.
Nurmagomedov understandably took home the biggest payday of the night, earning $100,000 for his win. His opponent, Shabily, took home $50,000.
In the co-main event, Lorenz Larkin made quick work of Levan Chokheli, knocking him out in the first round. Larkin was joint as the night's top earner with Nurmagomedov, earning $100,000. Chokheli made $41,000.
Elsewhere, Douglas Lima was unable to make it two wins from two as he was comfortably handled by Aaron Jeffery. The American won the fight via unanimous decision, earning $60,000 for his efforts ($30k show, $30k win). Lima earned $50,000 for his efforts.
For the rest of the Bellator San Diego payouts, check out MMA journalist Jed I. Goodman's tweet here:
Usman Nurmagomedov brings attention to war in Gaza following Bellator San Diego title defense
Usman Nurmagomedov recently addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, following his successful lightweight title defense at Bellator San Diego.
Since the war began between Palestinian militant groups and Israel, the Gaza strip has faced the brunt of the attacks, including airstrikes and other military operations.
Whilst there is no exact figure, it is believed that thousands of innocent lives have been lost and many more injured. Due to the sheer number of deaths, Nurmagomedov, who is a supporter of Palestine, has regularly called for the violence to stop.
Most recently, Nurmagomedov stated that his win last weekend felt bittersweet, and used his post-fight interview to call for peace. He said:
"I'm happy now, but same time, I'm little bit sad because of in world have some very hard, like, very bad situation. It's, I mean, it's Gaza. I think the world have to attention. There, kids died, people died; this is genocide, and you have to stop this. This is my opinion. And about fight, I'm little bit happy, and that's it."
Check out Nurmagomedov's comments here (1:42):