Usman Nurmagomedov, currently competing in Bellator MMA, holds the title of the lightweight division. Previously, the Russian mixed martial arts fighter participated in the UAE Warriors and Eagle Fighting Championship as well.
The still undefeated fighter, who started his career at the Moscow Pankration Federation promotion tournament, is also cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, the Bellator’s men’s pound-for-pound No. 3 faced a setback after receiving a six-month ban due to a failed drug test.
Usman Nurmagomedov fails drug test
The Dagestani fighter is out of the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix after an unexpected turn in his drug test results, which revealed the presence of a banned substance. Just a month ago, at Bellator 300, he achieved a significant victory by defeating Brent Primus, marking his second successful defense of the belt.
And Still Our Champ 🏆 Usman Nurmagomedov 🥇
— Send Me Location (@ControlYourHips) November 12, 2023
Uneducated haters should stop barking & stop spreading lies 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/evNWMV2hrm
“Usman was prescribed medication for an illness he had. It’s NOT an anabolic steroid, EPO, HGH, etc. Nothing enhancing,” Abdelaziz, a renowned MMA manager has said in a statement to ESPN. “He will rematch Primus and get back in the tournament.”
Nevertheless, controversy ensued when news of the failed drug test emerged, resulting in his removal from the tournament and the overturning of his win to a no-contest. Additionally, the 25-year-old fighter has been suspended for six months by the California State Athletic Commission and fined $50,000.
🚨| USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV FAILS DRUGS TEST!
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) November 11, 2023
Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov has failed a drug test for his recent win over Brent Primus and has been removed from the lightweight grand prix.
The fight has been overturned to a no contest and Nurmagomedov is expected… pic.twitter.com/rxe36wDLMf
This incident has altered the course of the tournament, granting Brent Primus the opportunity to advance to the final and face the winner of Patricky Pitbull vs. Alexandr Shabily instead of Usman Nurmagomedov. In addition to the fine, suspension, and removal from the Grand Prix, Nurmagomedov has agreed to participate in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency testing program for 12 months.
After undergoing these procedures, the young Russian MMA sensation will be required to go through three full World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) drug screenings. Failing to demonstrate cleanliness for the specific banned substances in California or any other jurisdiction recognized by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) could result in an extended four-year suspension.
Usman Nurmagomedov and Khabib’s relation
Usman is not only an associate but also the cousin of the former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov. As a part of the family, Khabib, along with the current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, assisted the young fighter in honing his MMA skills at their gym, helping him to Bellator stardom.
‘The Eagle’ consistently supported and provided necessary tips to Usman during his MMA bouts. At the age of 24, Usman has firmly established his presence in the MMA world, with the added prestige of having the UFC legend Khabib by his side.
Khabib, the Dagestani icon, is also associated with Umar Nurmagomedov and Abubakar Magomedovich Nurmagomedov, who are cousins and brothers training together, forming one of the most formidable MMA clans. Usman is also on his way to prove himself as a force to be reckoned with just like Khabib and Islam.
Readers, what do you think of Usman getting banned ? Would it create a huge impact on his career? Let us know in the comment below.
