The Bellator Champions Series: San Diego event took place at Pechanga Arena in California, featuring the lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov defending his title against Alexander Shabliy in the main event. Nurmagomedov, with an impressive record of 17-0, put his belt on the line against the experienced Shabliy, who boasts a record of 24-3. It was a highly anticipated matchup that showcased the top talent in the division.
In the co-feature of the event, Levan Chokheli faced off against Lorenz Larkin in a welterweight clash. Chokheli, with a record of 13-2, went up against the seasoned veteran Larkin, who holds a record of 26-8. The fight promised to be an exciting showdown between two skilled fighters looking to make their mark in the division.
The event featured several exciting fights, with notable performances from up-and-coming fighters. Bryce Meredith showcased his skills by defeating John MaCalolooy via technical submission in the first round. The fight was a display of Meredith’s dominant grappling and finishing ability, as he secured a rear-naked choke to put his opponent to sleep. Josh Hokit also impressed with a submission victory over Sean Rose, showcasing his well-rounded skill set in the heavyweight division.
Notable Performances
One of the standout performances of the night came from Ashley Thiner, who made her professional debut against Cortez. Thiner displayed superior striking and control throughout the fight, ultimately securing a TKO victory in the second round. Her dominant performance earned her high praise from fans and critics alike, solidifying her as a rising star in the women’s division.
UFC Hall of Famer and former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was in attendance at the event to corner his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, in the main event title fight. Khabib’s presence added excitement to the event, as fans were eager to see the legendary fighter support his family member in the cage. Khabib’s coaching and guidance undoubtedly played a role in Usman’s successful title defense, showcasing the strong bond between the two fighters.
The Bellator Champions Series: San Diego event delivered exciting fights and memorable moments for fans in attendance. From dominant performances to highlight-reel finishes, the event showcased the top talent in the promotion and highlighted the competitiveness of the fighters in the cage. As the fighters look to the future, the event served as a platform for up-and-coming talent to make their mark and solidify their place among the best in the division.