Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Nurmagomedov was fined and suspended by the California State Athletic Commission for failing a drug test around Bellator 300.
Reigning Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov’s recent win over Brent Primus at Bellator 300 is now a no-contest due to a failed drug test.
According to a report by MMA Fighting, Nurmagomedov failed a test given to him by the California State Athletic Commission around his bout vs. Brent Primus. The champion won that night, but that result is no longer in black and white.
While the substance that came up was not named, CSAC Executive Director Andy Foster did say he stemmed from a prescription medicine. Ali Abdelaziz, the manager for Nurmagomedov, echoed those comments.
“Usman was prescribed medication for an illness he had,” Abdelaziz told MMA Fighting. “It’s not an anabolic steroid, EPO, HGH, etc. Nothing enhancing.
“He will rematch Primmus and get back in the tournament.”
That bout was part of the ongoing Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix. After five rounds, Nurmagomedov was declared the winner by unanimous decision, sweeping all five rounds.
Bellator Champion Usman Nurmagomedov Issues Statement
Nurmagomedov, a cousin of former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and brother of Umar Nurmagomedov, took to social media to explain the positive test result.
“The results of my test revealed a prohibited substance that entered my body through medications, prescribed to me by a doctor,” he said. “A few months before my fight, I was undergoing treatment, but unfortunately I did not notify the athletic commission in advance.
“I would like to note that the California State Athletic Commission conducted its own full investigation, where I provided all the necessary documents, doctor notes and medical certificates, thanks to which the period of my disqualification was reduced to 6 months, instead of longer suspensions accepted in such cases.”
Primus is expected to advance to the finals where he will face either Patricky Pitbull or Alexandr Shabily. That fight takes place at the upcoming Bellator 301 event.
