UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Moments after his debut victory, Alexander Shabliy already had his sights set on a potential next foe.
Originally scheduled to fight Brent Primus at Bellator 259, Shabliy (20-3 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) instead faced England’s Alfie Davis. For three rounds, the Russian dominated the Brit, en route to a unanimous decision.
Though he missed out on fighting Primus (10-1 MMA, 8-1 BMMA) in the short term, Shabliy wasn’t comfortable with the notion he might miss out long term, too. At the Bellator 259 post-fight news conference, Shabliy detailed Primus’ withdrawal and said he received no reasoning as to why the opponent change occurred.
In his mind, Primus was scared and that’s why he pulled out. Shabliy hopes the matchup is next on his agenda – and that a title will be on the line.
Check out Shabliy’s full post-fight news conference in the video above.
Bellator 259 took place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card aired on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.
Alexander Shabliy sets sights back on ‘scared’ Brent Primus after Bellator 259 win