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Alexander Shabliy is set to challenge Bellator Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov for the gold at Bellator Champions Series: Paris on May 17.
The bout was initially set to be the finals of the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix and the winner would’ve also earned $1 million alongside winning the title, but Shabliy doesn’t think the PFL will be honoring that $1 million payday.
“There was a lot of uncertainty with the whole situation going on with the merger,” Shabliy told MMA Junkie through an interpreter. “We were sure that, since I was participating in the grand prix and going strong, that I deserved the title shot. I should have an opportunity to finish the business regardless of the merger, the way it was gonna go. I didn’t care which way it was gonna go – whether it was gonna be Usman or possibly Brent Primus or AJ McKee – but I definitely knew we should finish up the grand prix, go all the way where I can have a shot at the title and get the champion belt possibly. Now, about a month ago, we learned it’s gonna be Usman, and I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it because, as I said, I put hard work in, and I definitely want to finish this grand prix and possibly get the belt and the title.
“As of now, I don’t like the situation, the way it’s going, because after the merger, I believe the PFL, since they are the main company, they should honor all the conditions. As of now, it looks like we’re just fighting for the belt and the title. I’m not confident in the prize money guarantee, and I think the PFL should follow through with the obligations that they acquired from the Bellator league. They try to compete with UFC and be a responsible league; I think they should follow through on that. Again, I put my work in. We worked hard in a lot of camps, and I think they should honor the money prize, as well.”
Shabliy punched his ticket to the finals of the grand prix after defeating Tofiq Musaev and Patricky Pitbull.
An unhappy Shabliy also believes that the PFL is shorting themselves as a competitor to the UFC by not honoring the grand prix prize money.
“Right now, the way it looks, I’m not quite happy,” Shabliy said. “If (PFL is) trying to look serious as the UFC, as a good competitor out in the market, they have to honor this. Right now, it looks like they’re letting us down on that. I’m sticking with Bellator for now, but I hope they honor their side of the deal.”
