One of the top fighters outside the UFC is set to become a free agent by the end of next year. Attention in the lightweight division will focus on the UFC 324 interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, held in the absence of champion Ilya Topuria. Alongside this UFC showdown, PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, who secured the inaugural belt in October, is preparing for his first title defense against Alfie Davies at a PFL event in Dubai on February 7th.
Nurmagomedov’s future remains a hot topic, with speculation about how he would perform against the UFC’s top lightweights. The PFL champion has two fights left on his contract, with talks about renewal expected after his defense against Davies. Usman expressed satisfaction with the PFL, but negotiations will determine his path forward, as his management insists he won’t move to the UFC without a lucrative deal that matches his current earnings, just as Kayla Harrison did.
Ali Abdelaziz, Nurmagomedov’s manager, emphasized that any potential UFC move must maintain his current pay level to ensure all parties are happy. If the UFC makes the right offer, Abdelaziz believes Nurmagomedov could become another dominant Nurmagomedov champion in the UFC, continuing the legacy.
Fan Take: This news is thrilling for fight fans because it hints at a possible fresh rivalry and talent infusion in the UFC lightweight division, one of the sport’s most competitive weight classes. Usman Nurmagomedov’s potential UFC arrival could significantly shake up the landscape, creating new matchups and stories for MMA fans to rally behind.
