Russian lightweight division fighter Bellator Alexandr Shabliy in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net commented on the information about the promotion's upcoming shutdown due to its purchase by the PFL league:
As far as I know, Bellator will hold tournaments next year, including our Grand Prix that they will bring to an end. I have an offer to move to the UFC after the Grand Prix Finale, but it will depend on the conditions they offer me to stay. Because there is a possibility we will be offered to stay with the PFL or move on.
Other Russian fighters Andrey Koreshkov and Vadim Nemkov also expressed confidence that they will remain in demand after the PFL purchase of Bellator is finalized.
Alexandr Shabliy (23-3) will next fight in the semifinals of the Grand Prix against Brazilian Patricky Freire at Bellator 301 in Chicago. The winner of that fight will face lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
