Pros react after Usman Nurmagomedov dethrones Patricky Pitbull at Bellator 288

In the co-main event of Bellator 288, Patricky Pitbull fought Usman Nurmagomedov for the promotions lightweight strap.

Nurmagomedov, 15-0, is the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov and had a chance to deliver on the family legacy this evening. Usman entered tonight’s contest having won his last three fights in a row by way of first-round stoppages (2 subs, 1 TKO).

Pitbull, a long-time veteran of the sport, has fought some of the best that the sport has to offer. Names like Josh Thomson, Ben Henderson, Michael Chandler and Eddie Alvarez, to name a few. The 36-year-old had captured the promotions vacant lightweight title in his previous effort last November, defeating Peter Queally by second-round TKO.

Both men gave a valiant effort, to the delight of the fans. While neither fighter hailed from Illinois, the palpable energy could be felt across the venue.

Tonight’s ‘Pitbull vs. Nurmagomedov’ title fight resulted in a dominant performance from the undefeated Dagestani fighter. Usman out struck Patricky by a wild margin and also dominated the Brazilian in the grappling department. Although the fight went the distance, there was no disputing the final result.

Official Bellator 288 Result: Usman Nurmagomedov def. Patricky Pitbull by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44 x2)

Check out how the pros reacted to ‘Pitbull vs. Nurmagomedov’ below:

https://twitter.com/BellatorMMA/status/1593812886601617408

https://twitter.com/TeamKhabib/status/1593585060921368576

https://twitter.com/Burnellmma/status/1593810358954754049

I love seeing #Bellator288 trending on twitter. @BellatorMMA in Chicago is action packed. Turn on @SHOsports and @BellatorMMA now because this has been a great night of action!

— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) November 19, 2022

https://twitter.com/bjpenndotcom/status/1593812953962516481

Looks like Pitbull is trying to lull Usman into a false sense of security and turn up the aggression when he sees fit. The question is whether a viable opening arises.

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) November 19, 2022

https://twitter.com/BellatorMMA/status/1593815333189652481

Very much a 10-8 for Usman

20-17 entering the third

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) November 19, 2022

https://twitter.com/BellatorMMA/status/1593816091398000640

Pit bull has thrown 35 punches or strikes over the course of 15 minutes. And landed 12. He’s stuck, he can’t figure how to attack Usman. He’s getting outclassed. #Bellator288live

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) November 19, 2022

Usman Nurmagomedov is one round away from being champion. This fight hasn't been close.

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) November 19, 2022

https://twitter.com/BellatorMMA/status/1593819782704398339

Post-fight reactions to Usman Nurmagomedov defeating Patricky Pitbull at Bellator 288:

Patricky is a great fighter and Usman beat him from bell to bell.

I don't know who is going to beat him. AJ McKee might be the only one close.

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) November 19, 2022

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Tofiq Musayev is likely next and that is a some fight. Yeesh. #Bellator288

— Nolan King (@mma_kings) November 19, 2022

Congratulations to the new @BellatorMMA Lightweight World Champion, @Usmannmgdv! #Bellator288 pic.twitter.com/bGt8Iv4owY

— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) November 19, 2022

Usman a bad boy!

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) November 19, 2022

Who would you like to see Usman Nurmagomedov fight next following his decision victory over Patricky Pitbull at tonight’s Bellator 288 event in Chicago? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!