Usman Nurmagomedov to return to MMA arena following doping scandal

WEB DESK: Following a doping suspension, mixed martial arts (MMA) lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov is set to go up against against Alexander Shabliy on May 17.

The famed Russian saw his previous victory annulled due to a failed drug test. Despite the suspension, Nurmagomedov retains his lightweight title and will try maintaining his flawless win record at the 2024 Bellator Champions Series to be held in France.

On the same card, bantamweight champion Patchy Mix will take on Magomed Magomedov. Mix emerged victorious in Bellator’s bantamweight tournament last year and is currently on a winning streak.

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Bellator is a company within the MMA that promotes and hosts professional fighting tournaments. These matches usually feature top fighters from across the world competing against each other.

The event marks the second installment of Bellator’s newly introduced Champions Series, following the Professional Fighters League (PFL)’s acquisition of the MMA promotion.

Aside from Nurmagomedov and Mix, other matches include Gregory Babene versus Costello van Steenis, and Mansour Barnaoui versus Yusuke Yachi.

The series will start on March 22, where Karl Moore is aiming to clinch Ireland’s maiden Bellator championship against Corey Anderson.

Bellator unveiled a complete schedule for the 2024 Champions Series, featuring events in Belfast, Dublin, San Diego, London, Chicago, and two in Paris. The final event of the year is slated for December 31, with the location yet to be confirmed.