Usman Nurmagomedov embracing the spotlight ahead of Bellator 263

LOS ANGELES – Usman Nurmagomedov will compete on North American soil with fans in the arena for the first time Saturday at Bellator 263.

A younger cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib, Usman Nurmagomedov (12-0 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) returns for his second fight with Bellator when he takes on Manny Muro (12-6 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) on the main card.

“Everything is fine,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “I feel great. I’m happy to be here for second Bellator fight. I’m still getting used to all the cameras and all these interviews but it’s fine. Everything is fine. … It’s a big part of the game, so I have to get used to it. It’s even a little pressure but that’s fine. About the fight, yeah, of course. I miss the fans. I’m fighting for the fans. That’s what it’s all about, so I’m very excited to fight with a crowd.”

Bellator 263 takes place Saturday at The Forum. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.

Check out Nurmagomedov’s full pre-fight news conference in the video above.