Usman Nurmagomedov is still the Bellator lightweight champion.

The 26-year-old returned to action for the first time in 11 months and retained his title with a unanimous decision win against Alexander Shabliy in the main event of Bellator San Diego — the first defeat for Shabliy in nearly eight years. This also marked Nurmagomedov’s first win since a victory over Brent Primus in October 2023 was overturned to a no-contest when Nurmagomedov tested positive for a banned substance and was subsequently suspended for six months.

Shabliy got off to a good start, landing a solid right hand as his best weapon. Nurmagomedov ended up getting underneath Shabliy to land a big takedown, but the challenger was able to get back up quickly. Shabliy continued to utilize patience with quick and crisp counter punches, while the champion used leg kicks as his best striking maneuver in a competitive first round.

With an intense Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, Usman continued to mix things up on the feet and with takedown attempts in Round 2, but Shabliy held his own in those departments. The third round was a slower-paced stanza, but Nurmagomedov landed several leg kicks that looked like were taking their toll.

Shabliy landed a beautiful combination in the fourth round, but then stuck his thumb directly in Nurmagomedov’s eye. To the champ’s credit, he got right back in there. Referee Mike Beltran issued a stern warning to Shabliy before the action resumed. With a little under two minutes to go in the round, the champion stung Shabliy with a head kick and looked for a submission, but Shabliy did a great job getting back to full guard.