Magomed Magomedov says time off before Bellator tournament is to his advantage

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – It’s been about 10 months since Magomed Magomedov stepped in the cage for a fight.

Friday in the quarterfinals of the bantamweight grand prix at Bellator 282, Magomedov thinks that will be to his advantage. Magomedov (18-2 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) takes on Enrique Barzola (18-5-2 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) in the round of eight for a chance to reach the semifinals, where he’ll be one step closer to a title and the $1 million winner’s prize.

He said his time off after an August 2021 loss to Raufeon Stots, who is on the other side of the bracket, was well thought out.

“I wasn’t really eager to jump right back in there,” Magomedov told MMA Junkie through an interpreter Wednesday at Bellator 282 media day. “I wanted to have time to rest and relax. When Bellator notified me there was a tournament, it gave me full reason to wait.

“Everything happens for a reason, and everything happened for a good reason in my case. I was able to watch not just my potential opponents, but watch the entire grand prix unfold. I picked up little things here and there. Everything is to my benefit.”

Check out Magomedov’s full media day interview in the video above.

Bellator 282 takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.