Nurmagomedov to headline Bellator Paris in May

Usman Nurmagomedov returns to action after a doping suspension against Alexander Shabliy in Paris on 17 May.

The 25-year-old Russian had his win over Brent Primus at Bellator 300 in October overturned to a no-contest when he failed a drugs test.

Nurmagomedov was not stripped of his lightweight title and will defend the belt and his unbeaten record in France.

Bantamweight champion Patchy Mix is also on the undercard against Magomed Magomedov.

Russia's Magomedov aims to avenge a 2022 defeat to American Mix, who is on a six-fight winning streak.

Mix, 30, won Bellator's $1m bantamweight tournament last year before becoming undisputed champion against Sergio Pettis in November.

Nurmagomedov has 17 wins in 18 fights with the only blemish on his record the no-contest against Primus.

The lightweight denied intentionally doping, while fellow Russian Shabliy is on an impressive nine-fight win streak dating back to 2016.

Also on the undercard is Scotland's Louie Sutherland who faces undefeated French heavyweight Slim Trabelsi.

The event will be the second of the newly launched Bellator Champion Series which sees the brand continue following the PFL's acquisition of the MMA promotion.

Bellator Belfast kicks off the new era on 22 March, with Irish light-heavyweight Karl Moore bidding to become his country's first Bellator champion against Corey Anderson.