Alexander Shabliy credits teammate Arman Tsarukyan, ready for Usman Nurmagomedov after Bellator 301

CHICAGO – Alexander Shabliy continues to dominate the Bellator lightweight division, as a teammate looks to do the same in the UFC.

During his victory over Patricky Freire (25-12 MMA, 16-10 BMMA) at Friday’s Bellator 301 at Wintrust Arena, Shabliy (24-3 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) elaborated on his training routine with Arman Tsarukyan.

“Arman (is a great) guy,” Shabliy told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “Arman is my friend. I train with Arman. I think Arman wins (vs) Beneil Dariush. I think (he’s) a good wrestler, a good striker. Arman will be champion of UFC.”

Shabliy, 30, has his own championship aspirations, hoping Bellator’s future events will provide him with a title opportunity as part of the ongoing lightweight grand prix.

Despite advancing to the tournament finals after defeating Freire, it is unknown who his next opponent will be. Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov recently defeated Brent Primus. However, he then proceeded to test positive for a prohibited substance thereafter.

Shabliy is impartial as to who he should face next, but believes that his fight vs. Freire should have been an undisputed title bout considering the unusual circumstances.

“I don’t think it should be an interim or temporary belt because as we know Usman had a situation,” Shabliy said. “Unfortunately, rules are rules. I think the belt should still be in the tournament. To be fair, the belt should be between us. We’ll see how it plays out. Maybe Usman will come back. Maybe not. I can’t really tell, but I’m ready for it. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is. … Usman, Brent, Patrick, Tofiq, it doesn’t matter who. I will be champion. My dream is this belt.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 301.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie