"It won't happen again" - Patricky Pitbull vows to reclaim lightweight title next year, shows respect to Usman Nurmagomedov

Patricky Pitbull's reign as Bellator lightweight champion lasted only a year and ended in his very first defense against the undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov.

The two lightweights faced off in the co-main event of Bellator 288: Nemkov vs. Anderson 2 where Nurmagomedov came out comfortably on top. The unbeaten fighter dominated every round of the five-round championship bout and scored a unanimous decision victory courtesy on the judges' scorecards.

Pitbull took to Twitter to rue his loss and show respect to his unbeaten opponent. He admitted to not showcasing his full potential against Nurmagomedov. The Brazilian also vowed to reclaim his belt next year at the lightweight grand prix:

"Congratulations Usman, you have great talent. I was too cautious and wasn't myself in the cage last night. Never got into gear. It won't happen again. Next year starts the Lightweight Grand Prix and I will claim the title and the prize. Write that down."

Check out his tweet below:

Congratulations Usman, you have great talent.

I was too cautious and wasn't myself in the cage last night. Never got into gear. It won't happen again.

Next year starts the Lightweight Grand Prix and I will claim the title and the prize. Write that down.

The Bellator lightweight grand prix will kick off next year, as confirmed by Bellator president Scott Coker in an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour. He confirmed that it will be an eight-man affair with a sum of $1 million up for grabs alongside the coveted lightweight championship which Nurmagomedov currently holds.

Catch Scott Coker confirming the Lightweight Grand Prix for next year on Twitter:

.@ScottCoker announces a Bellator lightweight grand prix, to begin in 2023 🍿 #TheMMAHour

▶️ youtu.be/WxqkpOxSApo https://t.co/SynwSOGNiw

Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov congratulates Usman Nurmagomedov on his championship success

Usman Nurmagomedov is coached by his famous cousin and former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. He joins his teammate Islam Makhachev as the second lightweight champion in the team currently, after Makhachev's success against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.

Although 'The Eagle' was not present in Usman's corner, he was the first to congratulate Usman by video-calling him during his post-fight interview inside the cage.

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov video-calling his cousin after his victory:

Khabib 🦅🔥 #usman #Bellator #Bellator288 https://t.co/MfHPKUqec9

The UFC Hall of Famer also took to Instagram to congratulate Usman Nurmagomedov on making history by becoming the first Dagestani champion in Bellator. He applauded his hard work and termed it the "beginning" of a long victorious journey ahead:

"You deserve it Brother 👊 🏆 Another victory, another history. Congratulations Bro, you went to this long and hard. A very competent and dominant victory, now it's just the beginning." [Translation via Instagram]

Check out the congratulatory post on Instagram:

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