PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, the cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, will become a free agent later this year with one fight left on his current contract. While the PFL is expected to make Nurmagomedov a lucrative offer to extend his deal, he could potentially be a top target for the UFC when his free agency officially begins.
Nurmagomedov, 27, is about to enter his physical prime as he considers a possible move to the UFC Octagon. During his superstardom, he trained with the likes of Islam Makhachev, Belal Muhammad and others under Khabib’s tutelage.
Although Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of the greatest lightweights in the world, Makhachev believes his superstar teammate should not rush a potential move to the UFC.
Islam Makhachev: Usman Nurmagomedov should ‘take his time’ for UFC action
In a recent interview with UshataykaMakhachev weighed in on Nurmagomedov’s impending free agency.
“Honestly, I don’t think Usman is worse than anyone else (in the UFC),” Makhachev said.
“He would give very hard rounds against any of them. We have been training together for so many years and I know his true potential. He is still young and has a lot of time ahead of him. If you ask me, I think he is ready, but let him take his time.”
“As long as his contract is up within a year, this is the perfect time (to move to the UFC).” (h/t MMA junkie)
Nurmagomedov has been trading blows with undisputed UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria on social media in recent months. A potential match could come to fruition once Topuria returns to action after a long layoff.
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