Alexander Chablis impressed with Arman Tsarukyan’s performance, focuses on facing Usman Nurmagomedov after Bellator 301 win

CHICAGO – Alexander Chablis continues to dominate the Bellator lightweight division, and his teammates are aiming to do the same in the UFC.

Chablis (24-3 MMA, 16-10 BMMA) follows an outstanding performance in his win over Patricky Freire (25-12 MMA, 16-10 BMMA) at Bellator 301 on Friday at Wintrust Arena. BMMA (5-0) talked about what it’s like to have Arman Tsarukyan as his main training partner during camp.

“Arman is a great guy,” Chablis told MMA Junkie and other reporters at the post-fight press conference. “Arman is a friend of mine. I train with Armand. I think Armand will win (against Benel Darish). I think (he’s) a good wrestler, a good striker. Armand is a UFC champion. It will be.”

Chablis, 30, has championship ambitions of his own in another promotion. Bellator’s future is uncertain, but Chablis could be in contention for the title if the promotion books future events and completes the ongoing Lightweight Grand Prix.

With the victory over Freire, Chablis has advanced to the final tournament, but it is unclear who their opponent will be. Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov recently defeated Brent Primus on the other side of the bracket, but then tested positive for a banned substance.

Chablis is fair-minded about who he should face next, but believes the promotion should have made the fight against Freire an undisputed title fight, given the unusual circumstances.

“As we know, Usman had his circumstances, so I don’t think it should be an interim or temporary belt,” Chablis said. “Unfortunately, rules are rules. I think Berto should still be in the tournament. He says he could still be champion. We’re just talking about the tournament right now. To be fair, the belt should be between us. Let’s see how it goes. Maybe Usman will come back. Maybe not. I can’t really say, but I’m ready. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is. … Usman, Brent, Patrick, Tofik, it doesn’t matter. I’m going to be the champion. My dream is this belt.”

For more information on this card, check out MMA Junkie’s Bellator 301 event hub.