Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, came under fire for failing a dr*g test, back in 2023. Needless to say, the Bellator champion has continued to face the repercussions even today, as the California State Athletic Commission’s executive officer publicized the news in an ESPN interview. He pointed out that Nurmagomedov would have to face a 6-month suspension and a hefty fine of $50 thousand. On top of that, his title defense win against Brent Primus was also overturned.

But later, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, tried to clear the air out, claiming that it was all because of a medication he was prescribed. Abdelaziz emphasized that it was not medication that could enhance performance. And one year later, the Bellator lightweight contender opened up about his failed dr*g test.

Usman Nurmagomedov blames it all on prescription dr*gs

Nurmagomedov, in a brief conversation with MMA Junkie on 29 August 2024, focused on the PED controversy, as the Bellator lightweight fighter continued to plead innocent. He revealed that he had signed a contract not to disclose the details of the controversy to anyone. But he didn’t hide that it all was the result of medications that he used during his sick days.

The 26-year-old Dagestani said, “We have a deal with California Commission, and I cannot tell to media or someone, but it was medication. If it were a steroid, they have to say, ‘This was a steroid.’ And they have to give me more time for suspension. They have to give me like one year, two year, and we have example from other guys. It was medication, and this was like nothing. Everything is good now.”

Even though it was all because of medications, Nurmagomedov received quite some backlash from the fighting community and critics. Weighing in on that, he continued, “I don’t care (about the critics), I’m good. I didn’t do nothing. I know who I am. I never did something like steroids or something like that. People only talk about this because they cannot win (against) us, and they have to say something, and they chose this way, ‘Oh, this guy do steroids.’ OK, guys. You can talk whatever you want, but who cares?”

Usman Nurmagomedov wasn’t alone. He found support from his teammates and cousins, Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov sent forth words of motivation towards Nurmagomedov.

‘The Eagle’ and Islam Makhachev stand beside the undefeated Bellator 

While the entire realm of mixed martial arts has cast a shadow of doubt over Nurmagomedov’s upcoming fight, after his 6-month suspension period, his cousin seems to have complete faith in him. Talking to the ‘Red Corner MMA’, ‘The Eagle’ said, “In a few days, Usman will defend his belt for the second time. He’s prepared better than ever.” The former undefeated UFC champion was backed by Makhachev.

Nurmagomedov has been working pretty hard to ensure his comeback is epic. And the UFC lightweight champion knows it quite well. Makhachev shared a picture of his teammate on  his Instagram story and wrote, “Hard work always pays off.” 

Usman Nurmagomedov has kept his records clean and has secured 17 wins and no losses in his professional MMA career. But now, he is all set to fight Alexandr Shabliy at Bellator Champions Series, San Diego. With Makhachev and ‘The Eagle’ having his back, Nurmagomedov has opted for nothing but his 18th victory.

What are your thoughts on Usman Nurmagomedov’s dr*g abuse controversy? Do you believe it was all because of a medication? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.