Usman Nurmagomedov becomes first Dagestani Bellator champion at Bellator 288

For a long time, Father’s Plan was on a launch pad. But it appears like it has been released. At first, Abdulmanap’s favorite student Islam Makhachev secured the vacant lightweight title in a fight against a former champion Charles Oliveira and on the other hand UFC Hall of Famer Khabib’s cousin Usman Nurmagomedov, who is still unbeaten, was awarded a title shot against Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire at Bellator 288.

Usman Nurmagomedov wanted to win the Bellator championship to continue his uncle Abdulmanap's legacy and he won the lightweight title at Bellator 288's co-main event with a convincing victory over Patricky Freire.

Usman Nurmagomedov, Khabib's cousin, became the first Dagestani champion in Bellator history, making it cause for celebration. Nurmagomedov had a commanding performance and won by unanimous decision. In addition to failing to land enough combinations to frighten the Dagestani, Freire was unable to respond to his grappling. The judges' tallies, which all gave him a 50-45 victory, demonstrated his superiority.

As the current lightweight champion, the 24-year-old will defend his title throughout the next Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix. Who the other contestants will be and who he'll probably face in the first round are still unknown.

Nurmagomedov emphasized the significance of capturing the lightweight championship in his post-fight talk.

“For me, this is so important,” Nurmagomedov said. “… I’m so happy. A lot of emotions, you know? I just want to say thank you. Like, first of all, Alhamdulillah after. A lot of guys, everybody from around the world send me messages to support me. Thank you.”

Both of Khabib Nurmagomedov's lieutenants are currently the current lightweight champions in significant promotions, demonstrating that he is still successful even after retiring. Since Usman also won the title with an unbeaten record, "The Eagle's cousin" resembles him.

The 24-year-old prodigy praised the promotion for providing him the chance to compete for the title and both his team and trainers for helping him develop into the fighter he is today during his post-fight interview with "Big" John McCarthy:

"Scott Coker, thank you for chance. And coach [Javier Mendez], you know everything coach, I love you so much. You guys make me...Thank you for my team. Thank you for my family."