Usman Nurmagomedov – cousin of UFC icon Khabib – tests positive for banned substance and receives six-month ban after victory over Brent Primus at Bellator 300

Usman Nurmagomedov, the cousin of UFC legend Khabib, has been suspended for six months by the California State Athletic Commission after testing positive for a banned substance.

As reported by Ariel HelwaniThe positive test, which also earned Nurmagomedov a $50,000 fine, came after his fight against Brent Primus at Bellator 300. That fight is now ruled a no-contest.

But what this means for Nurmagomedov’s status as Bellator lightweight champion and his place in the lightweight Grand Prix isn’t immediately clear.

CSAC director Andy Foster reportedly revealed that Nurmagomedov had a prescription but had not applied for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE).

The commission did not reveal what the banned substance was, but Nurmagomedov is now registering for testing with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.

“Today I was informed by Andy Foster that my Bellator 300 opponent Usman Nurmagomedov tested positive for a banned substance and that the fight has now been ruled a No Contest,” Primus said in a statement, according to Helwani.

“I want to thank CSAC and Bellator for working together to promote a clean sport. I am training hard in the gym and am ready to compete in the Grand Prix again.’

Primus was defeated by Nurmagomedov last month, with the Bellator lightweight champion defending his title via unanimous decision.

The Dagestan-born fighter, who is still just 25, has won all 18 professional fights in Bellator, eight of which came via KO or TKO.

He is part of the Nurmagomedov fighting dynasty, which also includes retired UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Khabib left the UFC in March 2021 after winning all 29 professional fights, most notably against Conor McGregor in October 2018.