“5th teammate to pop for PEDs” – Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin Usman BANNED from fighting after testing positive for illegal drugs

Testing positive for illegal substances is always a shock for fight fans and fellow athletes alike. In an unexpected turn of events, Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, cousin to the famous Khabib Nurmagomedov, tested positive for a banned drug. This has prompted the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) to suspend him for six months. After beating Brent Primus at Bellator 300 on October 6, 2023, the 25-year-old fighter faced the repercussions of his 17-0 record.

CSAC executive officer Andy Foster verified the news, saying that Usman Nurmagomedov tested positive following his unanimous decision victory over Primus in San Diego. The victory, which had initially secured his lightweight championship defense and a ticket to the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix, has now been ruled a no-contest. This news was posted on the social media platform X:

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

Cole Shelton via X

Primus, now that the bout has been deemed a no-contest, thanked CSAC and Bellator for promoting a clean sport. He will now face the winner of the Bellator 301 fight between Patricky Pitbull and Alexandr Shabily.

The six-month suspension removes Nurmagomedov from immediate competition and casts doubt on his future in the promotion. The fallout of Usman Nurmagomedov’s failed drug test resonates across the MMA community. This has fight fans concerned regarding its effect on the lightweight class of Bellator and Usman’s career.

Fight fans react to Usman Nurmagomedov’s positive test for banned substance

Usman Nurmagomedov’s unbeaten record and powerful performances in the ring have earned him a sizable fan following. Fans had been anticipating his continuous ascension in the Bellator lightweight category. The recent announcement that Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov tested positive for a prohibited substance shocked the MMA community.

As word of the six-month ban spread, fans expressed various feelings, from sadness to understanding.  Fight fans considered the ramifications for the fighter’s career and the sport. These are some of the reactions from fight fans:

As the MMA world processes the news, fan reaction becomes an integral part of the story. The positive test of Usman Nurmagomedov adds to the larger discussion about the interplay between talent and accountability in pursuit of the championship.

In case you missed it:

• Patricky Pitbull feels underserving Usman Nurmagomedov only got a title fight because of his last name alone
• “Let’s see who’s number one” – Usman Nurmagomedov makes a bold challenge to welterweight king Kamaru Usman

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