The speculation surrounding the future of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) with Russian fighter, Usman Nurmagomedov, who is undefeated in his MMA career as a lightweight, has led to the popular fighter to become one of the biggest names in the sport.
The Usman Nurmagomedov UFC debate has taken a new turn after reports indicated that he’d dealt with the UFC exclusively between October 2026 and October 2027.
Manager Ali Abdelaziz, though, refuted those reports on Nov. 11, stating that Nurmagomedov is still in exclusive talks with PFL. A UFC sign-on has not been announced.
Why Usman Nurmagomedov’s Free Agency Remains Uncertain
Nurmagomedov’s last PFL contract was finished on July 31 with a first round finish against Archie Colgan, maintaining his undefeated streak at 22-0. Abdelaziz had been reported to have exhausted his negotiating time, but his latest remark suggests otherwise, somewhat confusing his contractual status.
Potential UFC Matchups Against Lightweight Contenders
Nurmagomedov’s management has already hinted at a potential UFC debut, where he could face the eventual champion Ilia Topuria. The others that could be compelling are Arman Tsarukyan or Charles Oliveira. These hypothetical matchups would assess his versatility, striking prowess and willingness to go for the gold at the elite level of lightweight competition.
How His Arrival Could Change UFC Lightweight Rankings
Nurmagomedov has won his last fight and is a proven champion, but UFC rankings are based on results in the promotion. If he gets a win against one of the top five, he could really get on the track to a big victory and potentially turn the game around from Justin Gaethje’s lead.
Will Dana White Secure the PFL Lightweight Champion?
UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear publicly that he is interested in signing Nurmagomedov, but has not announced any deal. He’ll be influenced by financial negotiations, promotional commitments and the fighter’s career goals. A UFC move is still possible, but it’s not confirmed at this time.
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