Bellator definitely has strong Russian contacts signing top of the food chain Russian fighters from Fedor’s Camp, Khabib’s camp, Dagestan. Signing top prospects all MMA hardcore fans recognize, Stealing them away from rival promotions. Russian fighters listed below easily can beat UFC fighters right now, Usman Nurmagomedov is next Bellator star.
Usman Nurmagomedov
Khabib’s nephew is a kickboxing stud, Complete opposite of the “traditional” Dagestani fighters. Amazed the Bellator viewers with his beautiful striking displays against solid fighters.
Dominating with strikes but ending with submissions in the first round.
Pleasure watching the high level striker fight in his Bellator matchups, Coker giving Usman mostly favorable matchups besides Chris Gonzalez which was definitely “test” fight. Defeating TEAM USA Greco Roman wrestler, Submitting accomplished wrestler which is crazy.
Four fight Bellator winning streak leading to Bellator Lightweight title shot against Patricky Friere. Predicted to outclass Patricky, Becoming the next Dagestani MMA Champion following the lead of Khabib & Islam. Oustriking, Controlling pace, Stunning him with high and low leg kicks. Won’t be surprised if Usman wins in the first or second round.
Coach Javier Mendez, Daniel Cormier, Khabib, Josh Thomson I’ve watched from multiple videos and articles speak HIGHLY of Usman and how talented this kid is. Limitless amount of potential as he’ll be considered one of the best Lightweights shortly. Running through the Lightweight division with Tofiq Musyev and Alexander Shabiliy.
Winning Lightweight title is only the beginning, Potential big name fight against Benson Henderson, Great fights against Tofiq Musayev and AJ Mckee.
Timur Khizriev
Viewing this card on Tapology.com spotted Timur Khizriev on the Bellator main card for his Bellator debut. Speaks to Scott Coker’s and matchmakers belief in his potential.
Dagestani savage undefeated 11-0 record with standout win against Bibert Tumenov. Russian prospect I have bunch of respect for. Defeating tough Featherweight prospect like Tumenov earns my respect.
Timur fought Tumenov three years ago, Improved fighter would dominate him in grappling exchanges. Controlling the pace of the fight longer period of time. Timur’s wrestling no question best skill but striking is better since Tumenov fight hear the pop in his his hands.
Hopefully confident in his striking or making vast improvements because he’s going against Daniel Weichel (42-13 Top Ten Bellator Featherweight) tough technical striker fought all the Bellator killers from Patricio Pitbull, Emmanuel Sanchez, Goiti Yamaguchi. Weichel has all the experience in the world fighting everyone for years but getting older, Strength and recovery not the same. Khizriev can pull off the upset by using sambo gameplan by pressuring and controlling Weichel against the cage not allow Daniel to get any easy shots.
Dagestani fighters known for there cardio because of the rigorous training, Running up the hills pushing you heartbeat to the maximum. Allowing himself to wrestle for for three rounds if necessary against top ten Bellator Featherweight with years of three round experience. Sparring partners with Magomed Magomedov, Salman Zhamaldaev, Timur Valiev.
Cross training at Kill Cliff FC with Henri Hooft is genius move, Easily improve striking ten fold if he just stayed training at Dag Fighter. I love this decision and well see Khiriev be better with simple effective striking.
Khirziev defeats Daniel Weichel in his Bellator debut, Bellator potentially has Bellator Featherweight title challenger in few years as he’s only 26 years old.
Khasan Askhabov
Congratulations to Bellator, Scott Coker and the matchmakers for signing top five Featherweight prospect in the world. Highly touted fighter coming out American Top Team and Tiger Muay Thai , Represented by First Round Management, Sparring partner and close friend now with Jorge Masvidal.
Accomplished fighter with 23-3 record WWFC Featherweight Champion with standout wins against Mikhail Odintsov and Damien Lapilus. Done everything on the regional circuit, Time to follow same accomplishments with Bellator. Training at two of the best gyms in the world limitless amount of similar weight sparring partners will make him Bellator Featherweight Champion in few years.
Askhabov opponent is Otto Rodrigues Shooto Brasil Featherweight Champion, Summer of 2021 came off the biggest win against Carlos Augusto da Silva 19-2 fighter currently fights for ACA. Sometimes Bellator give there upcoming fighters “Give Me” fights but this is no easy task. Believe Otto will give Khasan tough three rounds. However I strong believe Khasan will win as he’s just too talented.
Speed, Fighting in range, Ability to strike than convert to takedowns, Nasty submission game, Controlling opponents on the ground, Strong kickboxing for MMA fighter. All-Around talent showcasing his talents to whole new market.
Genuinely looking forward to Khasan Askhabov Bellator debut and career moving forward.
Imashafi Aliev
Dagestani Middleweight prospect, Close with Khabib because of being coached by his late father Abdulmunnap and currently trains at American Kickboxing Academy.
Already considered one of the best Russian Middleweight prospects, Fighting for Eagle FC and UAE Warriors.
Aliev making his Bellator debut as he’ll look to dominate Sean Connor Fallon by using Father’s Plan AKA sambo pressure opponent nonstop, Dominate opponent with wrestling same style as Khabib and Islam.
Will use the strategy to perfection with Khabib in his corner yelling at him in Russian, Khabib replacing his late father as Head Coach for his fighters. Help guide Imashafi Aliev to the promise land of becoming Bellator Middleweight Champion. Long way to go as he’s only a sambo specialist but due time we can see the kid with the belt wrapped around his waist one day.
Billy's MMA Blog 