Alexandr Shabliy said the fight with Mosayev was special.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Bellator and Alexandr Shabliy’s three sprint battles are in the Grand Prix Lightweight and in the Bellator 292 co-main event with Tofiq Musayev on Friday night.

“It has come a long way. Since the first fight was during COVID, no audience, no one attended. So I don’t quite understand what’s going on. You know I won and they immediately took me out. I’m not enjoying my mood. Then in the third fight When it was with (Brent) Primus, I kind of came to terms with this feeling and began to feel like myself,” Shably told reporters through an interpreter on Wednesday.

“Obviously going to the Grand Prix is ​​the biggest thing Bellator can muster. All the men are world-class athletes. And of course I’m excited to be here.”

Being a part of the Bellator Grand Prix Lightweight was a big deal for the guy who was selected to participate. Some lightweights are upset at not participating in the Grand Prix. So having a place in the tournament is a big deal for Shably.

“The Grand Prix was exciting. It was a matchless event. Nothing like that happened before. Also for me it’s a great opportunity. remember that for me This was the first time in a 5 round fight, that was a great experience. I will learn a lot from that. And I am looking forward again to that,” he said.

Facing an athlete like Mosayev in the Grand Prix’s first round is quite challenging for any fighter. And Shabli did not comfort him.

“I knew Tofiq before as a fighter. I have a feeling we might cross paths at some point. I just didn’t know it would be our first matchup. I think maybe it will be later to the belt. He’s a great fighter. And it will be a great opportunity for me,” he said.

With many diehard fans following both Shabliy and Musayev calling this the best fight on the cards. It was destined to be a special battle.

“I think that kind of fighting is pretty good in every league. It’s just Tofiq’s level again, I don’t want to underestimate him. And I think I’m a great fighter. Many organizations pay a lot of money to see a fight like that,” he said.

“Kudos to Bellator for organizing all of this.”

Watch the all-day media battle with Alexandr Shabliy above. He faces Tofiq Musayev at Bellator 292 on Friday night in San Jose, CA.