Bellator 292 Highlights: Usman Nurmagomedov defends the Lightweight title with Islam Makhachev in his corner and more from Bellator 292

MMA News: Bellator 292 Highlights: To defend his lightweight championship at Bellator 292, Usman Nurmagomedov defeated MMA icon Benson Henderson in the opening round. In the main event on Friday night at the SAP Center, California, Nurmagomedov submitted Benson Henderson in less than a round with UFC champion Islam Makhachev by his side. At Bellator 292, Usman defended his lightweight championship for the first time. Follow the latest MMA News Updates with InsideSport.IN

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Bellator 292 results: Main event

In the fight’s opening seconds, Nurmagomedov (17-0) downed Henderson (30-12) with a head kick. He punched Henderson before regaining control and finishing the fight with a rear-naked choke, becoming just the third person ever to submit Henderson inside an MMA cage. With his victory, Nurmagomedov moved to Bellator’s lightweight grand prix semifinals.

Bellator 292 Highlights: Usman Nurmagomedov defends the Lightweight title with Islam Makhachev in his corner and more from Bellator 292, MMA news

After the fight, Henderson, 39, removed his gloves and declared retirement. As one of the most accomplished lightweights of his time, Henderson won numerous championships in the UFC and WEC throughout his 17-year MMA career, including victories over Frankie Edgar (twice), Nate Diaz, Gilbert Melendez, Donald Cerrone (twice), Jorge Masvidal, Josh Thomson, and many others.

Bellator 292 Highlights: co-main event

In the co-main event of the evening, Alexander Shabliy (23-3) defeated Tofiq Musayev in an odd third-round stoppage to become the other lightweight to proceed to the grand prix semifinals (20-5).

Alexander Shabliy is heading into the semi-finals of the #BellatorLWGP!

📺 #Bellator292 | LIVE NOW | 🇺🇸 @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/udxcGzZtkx

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) March 11, 2023

The two prospects, who were both considered underdogs to win the entire competition, fought through two competitive rounds that were relatively uneventful before the contentious incident that terminated Musayev’s night just 29 seconds into Round 3.

Shabliy delivered a steep kick to Musayev’s midriff that appeared to land flush before being intercepted by Musayev’s cup as it descended. After considering the situation, referee Jason Herzog determined that Shabliy’s legal kick to the midriff injured Musayev, not the lift, which just made “incidental contact” with the top of his cup.

Bellator 292 results | Main Card

• Usman Nurmagomedov defeated Benson Henderson by submission (RNC) at 2:37 of round 1: Lightweight Title/GP
• Alexander Shabliy defeated Tofiq Musayev by TKO at :29 of round 4: Lightweight GP
• Linton Vassell defeated Valentin Moldavsky by KO at 3:03 of round 1: Heavyweight category
• Michael Page defeated Goiti Yamauchi by KO at :26 of round 1: Welterweight

Bellator 292 Highlights: Prelims

• Enrique Barzola defeated Erik Perez by unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28): Bantamweight category
• Josh Hill defeated Cass Bell by split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29): Featherweight category
• Khalid Murtazaliev defeated Tony Johnson by unanimous decision (30-27 x3): Middleweight category
• Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov defeated Julius Anglickas by unanimous decision (30-27 x3): Light Heavyweight category
• Laird Anderson defeated Rogelio Luna by technical submission (RNC) at 2:41 of round 1: Featherweight category
• Theo Haig defeated Adam Wamsley by submission (Guillotine) at 3:01 of round 1: Middleweight category

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