One of the best names competing outside the UFC could be a free agent at the end of next year.
The focus of the lightweight division at the start of 2026 will be Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, as the pair duke it out for an interim title in champion Ilia Topuria’s absence.
But it won’t only be the Octagon hosting title fights at 155 pounds early next year, as PFL lightweight king Usman Nurmagomedov also returns for his first defense, having become the inaugural champ this past October.
After Nurmagomedov defeated Paul Hughes for a second time, he will face Alfie Davis at the PFL event in Dubai on February 7.
Much has been made of how the Dagestani would fare against the top lightweight names in the UFC, and it may not be long until MMA’s leading promotion has the chance to entice another Nurmagomedov into entering the Octagon.
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How would PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov fare against UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria?
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Usman Nurmagomedov has two fights left on his PFL contract
While Islam Makhachev held the UFC lightweight crown, coach Javier Mendez and others in the Dagestani’s team pointed to Usman Nurmagomedov as someone who would go on to occupy the same throne.
2026 could leave the door open for Dana White and co. to come swooping in for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin.
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, the PFL lightweight champ revealed that he has two fights left on his contract and anticipates negotiations over a renewal to begin ahead of his showdown with Davis.
“I know it’s going to be only two fights (in 2026) – beginning and end of the year,” Nurmagomedov said.
“I have on the contract two more fights and I think after this fight (against Davis), I think we’re going to speak about the future. We’ll see how interested they’re going to be in me.
“For me, in PFL, everything is good. I’m champion and they have a lot of contenders who can grow there,” he added.
“PFL is good. You can make history here, too. The question is what are they going to give me? We’ll see.”
While he is seemingly content in his current surroundings, Nurmagomedov noted that he will trust the guidance of his management team.
Whatever happens, Ali Abdelaziz won’t entertain any talk of a UFC move unless the promotion agrees to one crucial thing.
Ali Abdelaziz tells UFC that Usman Nurmagomedov won’t accept a pay cut
If things do remain up in the air regarding Nurmagomedov’s future leading up to his final contracted PFL fight toward the end of 2026, the UFC could have the chance to capitalize and bring one of the world’s top fighters under their banner.
For that to have any chance of happening, Abdelaziz says the UFC must be willing to at least match the pay Nurmagomedov is receiving in the PFL. Just like when Kayla Harrison jumped ship, the Dominance MMA CEO says a pay cut is totally out of the question.
“He make a lot of money in PFL, they treat him so well and he’s rich,” Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie. “At the end of the day, it’s a business. When his contract is finished we’re always going to sit down with the promotion.
“For Usman to come here (to the UFC), everybody have to be happy,” he continued. “I want to make sure the PFL’s happy. And he have to be paid. He’s not going to take a pay cut to come to the UFC. Kayla didn’t take a pay cut for the UFC.”
If things do unfold in a way that leaves Usman on MMA’s biggest stage, Abdelaziz has no doubt about the success he will achieve.
“You’re going to have another Nurmagomedov become a champion,” he insisted.
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