Alexander Shabliy took steps to be ready for grand prix format at Bellator 292

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Alexander Shabliy’s next fight is more than just a typical next fight.

Shabliy (22-3 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) is tasked with getting his hand raised against Tofiq Musayev (20-4 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) in the Bellator 292 co-main event if he wants to move on in the lightweight grand prix. Their fight kicks off the tournament as one of four quarterfinals. Lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov puts his belt on the line for the first time against Benson Henderson in the other opening-round bout on the card.

Shabliy said knowing tournament fights are five-rounders played a key part of his training.

“A lot of effort and thought was put into the fact that those are all going to be five-round fights for me (in the tournament),” Shabliy told MMA Junkie at a Wednesday media day for Bellator 292. “That’s very important because it’s going to be much longer – an extra two rounds. Since I knew it’s going to be different altitude, I started training in the mountains just to make sure I’m prepared for this side of the country and I don’t feel too out of place (in the fight).”

Bellator 292 takes place Friday at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Check out Shabliy’s full media day interview in the video above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 292.