Usman Nurmagomedov’s failed drug test just days before the finale of the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix shocked many, especially since he wasn’t stripped of his title—a decision that sparked significant backlash. The California State Athletic Commission overturned Nurmagomedov’s October 2023 victory against Brent Primus at Bellator 300 due to the failed test, but the promotion allowed the Dagestani champion to retain his 155lbs belt.

Typically, such a situation warrants the fighter being stripped of their title. For instance, fans vividly recall Jon Jones losing his UFC light heavyweight title after his 2017 victory over Daniel Cormier was overturned following a positive drug test. Naturally, many expected Nurmagomedov to face the same consequences. However, the Dagestani defended himself, claiming the banned substance was ingested accidentally through a prescribed medication for an illness.

While his explanation may have offered some clarity, Bellator’s decision to let him keep his title left fans questioning the promotion’s motives. Speculation grew that the rising star received preferential treatment due to his popularity and marketability. In a recent interview with Russian MMA outlet Ushtayaka, Mike Kogan, Vice President of PFL (which owns Bellator), shed some light on the situation.

Kogan revealed that he reviewed Nurmagomedov’s medical records and suggested the champion’s case wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed. He said, “[Usman Nurmagomedov was not stripped] because he had no doping. There are rules in America… so I couldn’t elaborate on the details. But I knew it wasn’t dope. He didn’t benefit from it. Yes, it was a drug that should not be taken. But he didn’t know that and didn’t even think about it. A decision had to be made – we either take his title or leave it. If it was doping, we would have taken his title.”

“But there was no [doping]. It’s unfair to take away from a guy his title he defended because there are some rules I personally disagree with. Not all their rules are reasonable and thoughtful… What kind of medicine – I don’t know what it’s called, I don’t remember. It’s because of a cold. His component lit up somewhere or something,” he added. But even two years since his failed drug test, Nurmagomedov cannot get away from it as it has become a talking point ahead of his upcoming mega-fight.

Usman Nurmagomedov to defend Dagestani MMA’s honor against Paul Hughes

Usman Nurmagomedov is going into probably the most important fight of his career on January 25. After all, his PFL Champions Series 1 clash against the ever-dangerous Paul Hughes has become one of the biggest, most intriguing fights in Bellator history. Not only is the Irishman an incredibly exciting and dynamic striker, but their fight has taken on some pretty interesting dimensions.

The event has been dubbed ‘Dagestan vs. Ireland 2’ since Usman is Khabib’s cousin and Hughes is Conor McGregor‘s compatriot. In addition, the trash talk has also been pretty entertaining from all sides. Khabib Nurmagomedov, of course, dissed the entire Irish MMA scene while Hughes has accused the Dagestanis of essentially being drug cheats.

The fight has all the makings of an absolute barn burner and Usman can get on the right side of MMA fans again if he gets a good win. More importantly, however, both men are fighting for the honor of their country, and a loss for Usman would mean giving Irish MMA bragging rights over Dagestan. It doesn’t get better than this in the fight game. What do you think about the PFL VP’s comments about Usman Nurmagomedov’s failed drug test?