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#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.
