Bellator signs Russian standout Alexander Shabliy to multifight deal
Bellator continues to ink notable names from the Russian talent pool.
The most recent Russian addition to the roster is former Absolute Championship Berkut, Fight Nights Global, and ProFC lightweight standout Alexander Shabliy, whom the promotion has signed to a multifight deal.
A Bellator official on Monday confirmed the signing to MMA Junkie following an Instagram post by Shabliy’s manager, Rizvan Magomedov, on Friday. Shabliy (19-3 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) doesn’t have a publicly known debut date or opponent at this time.
Shabliy, 27, rides a four-fight winning streak into his Bellator tenure with his most recent victory coming in December 2019. His resume includes wins over former UFC fighter Adriano Martins, former Bellator fighters Ryan Quinn and Gleristone Santos, as well as Brazilian standout Alexandre Cidade.
Ali Abdelaziz said that he’s bringing a few of his free agents to ONE soon. Imagine if Alexander Shabliy joins their Lightweight rankings. Only 27 years old and already with a decade of experience and 17 finishes to his credit. pic.twitter.com/g9Zhv26jZc
— Cerebral Vigilante (@Delisketo) July 29, 2020
Sixteen of his 18 professional wins have come by finish. Since 2014, Shabliy has only lost one fight: a split decision defeat to Eduard Vartanyan in November 2016. Shabliy has been submitted once in his professional career, but has never been finished via strikes.
Recently, Shabliy moved his training to American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Fla. Since then, he has gotten in training with the likes of Dustin Poirier, Jorge Masvidal, Movsar Evloev and Natan Schulte, among numerous other UFC, Bellator, and PFL athletes.
Bellator signs Russian standout Alexander Shabliy to multifight deal
