Bellator Champion Usman Nurmagomedov Suspended After Failed Drug Test

Usman Nurmagomedov has been hit with a suspension due to a failed drug test following the Bellator lightweight champion's last fight.

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The 25-year-old has been with Bellator since 2021 and claimed the lightweight belt from Patricky Pitbull last year in the main event of Bellator 288.

Nurmagomedov submitted former UFC champion Benson Henderson in the opening round of the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix for his first title defense in March, and in the tournament semifinals he met Brent Primus at Bellator 300 last month.

The unbeaten lightweight defended his title against Primus via unanimous decision, but according to Cole Shelton of BJPenn.com and Ariel Helwani that victory will now be overturned to a No Contest after Nurmagomedov failed a drug test.

BREAKING: Multiple sources inform me Bellator lightweight champ Usman Nurmagomedov has failed a drug test for his fight against Brent Primus (@brentprimus155) and has been removed from the grand prix. #Bellator https://t.co/Efmndvtevh
— Cole Shelton (@ColeShelton91) November 11, 2023

Usman Nurmagomedov has been suspended 6 months by the California State of Athletic Commission after testing positive for a banned substance following his fight against Brent Primus at Bellator 300, per CSAC executive officer Andy Foster. That win has now been turned into a no…
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 11, 2023

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It’s worth noting that Nurmagomedov did have a prescription for the banned substance that he tested positive for, which is a situation that a number of fighters in the UFC have also encountered. Even if the unbeaten star wasn't trying to gain a competitive advantage, he'll still facing a six-month suspension and $50,000 fine.

It’s unclear at this time if Nurmagomedov will keep Bellator’s lightweight title or if the promotion plans to strip him of the belt.

The news is a significant blow to Bellator’s ongoing Lightweight Grand Prix, although some fans have questioned when and if that tournament will conclude given recent rumors that the promotion might be purchased by the PFL in the near future.

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