BREAKING: Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin Usman Nurmagomedov becomes first Dagestani Bellator champion at Bellator 288
A celebration is in order for Khabib Nurmagomedov as his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov made history by becoming the first Dagestani champion in Bellator history after defeating Patricky 'Pitbull' Freire to capture the lightweight championship.
It was a dominant performance for Numagomedov as he cruised to a unanimous decision win. Freire was unable to find an answer for the Dagestani's wrestling and couldn't land enough combinations to worry him. His dominance showed on the judges' scorecards as they all scored the bout 50-45 in his favor.
The 24-year-old will now enter the upcoming Bellator lightweight grand prix as the reigning lightweight champion and defend his title throughout the tournament. It's still unclear who the rest of the participants will be as well as who he'll likely match up with in the opening round.
Usman Nurmagomedov is off to a strong start in the #Bellator288 co-main event 🔥 https://t.co/DdstAGXJH1
Khabib Nurmagomedov's proteges are both lightweight champions
Congratulations to the new @BellatorMMA Lightweight World Champion, @Usmannmgdv! #Bellator288 https://t.co/bGt8Iv4owY
Even in retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to win as both his proteges are now the reigning lightweight champions in major promotions.
Islam Makhachev recently defeated Charles Oliveira to become the UFC lightweight champion. 'The Eagle's cousin has now joined the club as he is now the Bellator lightweight champion.
During his post-fight interview with 'Big' John McCarthy, the 24-year-old protege thanked the promotion for giving him the title opportunity and both his team and coaches for helping him become the fighter he is today:
"Scott Coker, thank you for chance. And coach [Javier Mendez], you know everything coach, I love you so much. You guys make me...Thank you for my team. Thank you for my family."
'The Eagle's cousin shares a similarity with him as he also won the title with an undefeated record.