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Usman Nurmagomedov has made a strong case for being the top prospect in Bellator. The 23-year-old is the No.3-ranked lightweight and looks determined to prove he’s among the best in the sport. The cousin of former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib, also has an unbeaten MMA record of 14-0. He also trains under coach Javier Mendez at AKA, along with his cousin.
2022 could be a breakout year for Usman as he competes against others ranked in the top-10. Last year, he was adamant that he’d like a step up in competition and he’ll most likely get his wish. Although he is currently dealing with legal troubles following a hit-and-run incident, the promotion could give him a second chance.
Usman’s potential may play a factor in that decision and that he hasn’t been a liability since joining the promotion. This list will look at 5 possible opponents for Usman Nurmagomedov in Bellator.
#5. Nurmagomedov vs. Myles Jury
A perfect first test for Usman is Myles ‘Fury’ Jury, who's currently the No.8-ranked lightweight in Bellator. The bout would be a great way to assess Usman’s development and see if he'd be as dominant against top-10 opponents.
Jury’s an experienced fighter that has competed in promotions like KOTC and the UFC. Some of Jury’s notable wins include Diego Sanchez, Michael Johnson, and Takanori Gomi. ‘Fury’ is coming off a submission loss to Sidney Outlaw. It was a setback as he had won back-to-back fights prior to that loss and was closing in on a title shot.
This bout would make sense for ‘Fury’ because it offers him an opportunity to get back in the top-5. For Usman, the fight benefits him as he'd be able to prove that his status in the division is no fluke. Jury would have his hands full as the Russian is a well-rounded fighter that doesn’t rely solely on his takedowns.
#4. Nurmagomedov vs. Goiti Yamauchi
Another possible opponent for Usman Nurmagomedov is the No.4-ranked Bellator lightweight Goiti Yamauchi. He's coming off an impressive TKO win over Chris Gonzalez, which was only the second KO/TKO win of his career. He made a statement that he has knockout power and can hold his own in the standup.
Yamauchi has earned a reputation as being a submission specialist and holds the record for most submission wins in Bellator history. He signed a multi-fight extension, so he'll likely be in the title picture in the foreseeable future.
It would be interesting to see how Usman would fare against a fighter with Yamauchi’s ability. He could be hesitant to take the fight to the ground and may decide to rely on his striking. Yamauchi's submission skills could cause Usman to approach the fight with more of a striking approach. A big win could see one of them get closer to a title shot and perhaps even compete in a title-eliminator.
#3. Nurmagomedov vs. Brent Primus
If Bellator decides to fast-track Nurmagomedov to a title shot, a bout with Brent Primus could be a possibility. The former Bellator lightweight champion is coming off a dominant unanimous decision win over Benson Henderson.
He’s currently the No.2-ranked Bellator lightweight, so it would make sense for the promotion to book him against the No.3-ranked Usman. Like Yamauchi, Primus has also earned a reputation for his submission ability. Since losing the Bellator lightweight championship to Michael Chandler, he’s been on a quest to regain the title.
If he were to fight Usman, it would be interesting to see where the bout is contested. Primus had criticized Bellator’s matchmaking, so perhaps a title-eliminator would get them back in his good graces. Considering Usman is one of the promotion’s top prospects, Primus might have extra motivation to derail the hype train.
#2. Nurmagomedov vs. Peter Queally
An opponent that could generate plenty of interest against Nurmagomedov is Peter Queally. The former title-challenger is coming off a title loss to Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire at Bellator 270. It was a rematch from their bout at Bellator 258, which saw Queally earn the TKO win after a doctor’s stoppage.
Based on how he lost to 'Pitbull', Queally may need a long winning streak before getting a trilogy bout. ‘The Showstopper’ is scheduled to fight Kane Mousah at Bellator 275, which could set up a title-eliminator with Usman.
One of the main reasons why Usman vs. Queally would generate so much interest is the animosity between their respective camps. ‘The Showstopper’ fights out of SBG Ireland, which is the same as Conor McGregor, while Usman is one of Khabib’s proteges. With Bellator hosting events in Ireland, the 3Arena in Dublin would be the perfect venue.
#1. Nurmagomedov vs. A.J. McKee
Perhaps the biggest lightweight bout that Bellator could book is Nurmagomedov vs. A.J. McKee. ‘The Mercenary’ is the reigning Bellator featherweight champion after defeating Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire in the finals of the featherweight Grand Prix.
The fight taking place will all depend on whether McKee decides to move up to lightweight. He had mentioned that he intends to make a permanent move to 155lbs in the future.
A bout with Usman would be massive for the promotion and would be a great opportunity to showcase their homegrown stars. While speaking with Mike Swick, coach Mendez praised McKee and mentioned that he believes a bout with Usman is inevitable.
“I see him going up to lightweight because there’s going to be a big fish and Usman is going to be a big fish at some point. Not right now but at some point, so I see those two colliding at 155,” said Javier Mendez on the Mike Swick Podcast
Usman certainly has a lot going for him and it will be interesting to see who he fights next.
