Usman Nurmagomedov Suspended, Bellator 300 Win Overturned for Failed Drug Test

Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov has been suspended six months by the California State Athletic Commission after testing positive for a banned substance in relation to his Bellator 300 bout against Brent Primus.

As a result, Nurmagomedov’s victory over Primus has been overturned to a no contest and he has been fined $50,000 in addition to his six-month sanction. He was also pulled from Bellator’s lightweight grand prix. Multiple outlets confirmed the news following an initial report from Ariel Helwani. According to ESPN, Nurmagomedov will not be stripped of his 155-pound title.

Nurmagomedov’s positive test reportedly came from a prescription medication, which resulted in a reduced suspension. CSAC executive officer Andy Foster declined to reveal the substance, while confirming that Nurmagomedov will enroll in Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency program as a condition of his settlement.

Nurmagomedov defeat Primus via unanimous decision at Bellator 300, earning a trio of 50-45 scorecards. Prior the positive test, that victory set the Dagestani up to face the winner of the clash between Patricky Freire and Alexandr Shabliy in the other 155-pound semifinal. It is currently unclear who will replace Nurmagomedov in the bracket. The 25-year-old American Kickboxing Academy product began his professional MMA tenure with 17 consecutive triumphs — including six under the Bellator banner — before facing Primus.