Nurmagomedov, the cousin of UFC legend Khabib, has two fights remaining on his existing PFL deal. His immediate focus is one title defense against Alfie Davis on February 7, 2026 in Dubai. However, his team has made it clear that discussions about his future are already underway.
Management’s non-negotiable condition
Ali Abdelaziz, head of Dominance MMA and manager of both Usman and Khabib Nurmagomedov, has drawn a clear line in the sand regarding his client’s future. He has publicly stated that a move to the UFC is in the works entirely dependent on financial parity.
“He makes a lot of money in the PFL,” Abdelaziz said in a recent interview. “If the UFC wants him, they have to match his salary. We won’t take a pay cut.” This firm stance highlights the changing economics of MMA, where top players from rival promotions can land significant contracts.
The road through Dubai: first a title defense
Before a crossover can happen, Nurmagomedov needs to handle his business in the PFL. The undefeated champion cemented his status with a win over Paul Hughes last October and now faces the British veteran Alfie Davis in the first of his two remaining contracted bouts.
A dominant performance in Dubai would only strengthen his negotiating position, proving his marketability and skills ahead of potential talks with the UFC. For the UFC, adding an undefeated champion by the name of Nurmagomedov would be a major coup for the UFC. stacked 155-pound division.
A legacy in the making: following in famous footsteps
The intrigue surrounding Usman is heightened by his famous family lineage. His cousin, the retired and undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedovhas already expressed great confidence in his abilities, suggesting that Usman has the talent to become a UFC champion.
This endorsement adds significant weight to Usman’s potential. A successful transition to the UFC would not only take his own career to the next level, but also extend Nurmagomedov’s legendary legacy within the sport’s premier organization, creating must-see matches against the division’s elite.
Conclusion: a high-stakes waiting game
For now, Usman Nurmagomedov’s path to the UFC is determined by a simple equation: equal pay equals a deal. As he prepares for his title defense in February, the broader MMA world will be watching to see if the UFC is willing to pay the price for one of the hottest free-agent prospects on the market.
The coming months will determine whether the Nurmagomedov name returns to the UFC octagon or continues his championship reign elsewhere.
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