The variety of viable title contenders in Bellator’s light-weight division seemingly are few in the mean time, however Usman Nurmagomedov sees one logical and vital matchup on the horizon.
Earlier than Nurmagomedov (17-0) can take into consideration defending his 155-pound strap in opposition to anybody else, he first should get via Alexandr Shabliy in Saturday’s Bellator Champions Collection: San Diego headliner, which takes place at Pechanga Enviornment and streams on Max.
If Nurmagomedov will get the job completed, although, and maintains his undefeated document, he thinks the rightful high contender is A.J. McKee, who’s a former featherweight champion and one of the embellished fighters in Bellator historical past.
McKee (22-1) reportedly is predicted to face Paul Hughes at PFL: Battle of the Giants on Oct. 19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and if he wins that, then Nurmagomedov thinks he might be poised for an opportunity to win a Bellator title in a second division.
“I believe if he’s wholesome and he’s prepared, I believe it’s going to be A.J. McKee,” Nurmagomedov instructed MMA Junkie. “He’s a troublesome man. I believe he’s going to win (in opposition to Hughes), after which subsequent battle, I believe it’s going to be A.J. McKee vs. Usman Nurmagomedov.”
Ryan Bader, Patricio Freire and Joe Warren are the one Bellator fighters to carry belts in two weight courses. A number of others have tried and failed over the course of firm historical past, and McKee could possibly be subsequent on the listing.
Given their household names and success in MMA competitors, a matchup between Nurmagomedov and McKee is seemingly one of the vital matchups and sights that could possibly be made within the Bellator light-weight division.
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion web page for Bellator Champions Collection: San Diego.
Make sure you go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of combined martial arts.
