Usman Nurmagomedov is happy with his place as PFL lightweight champion, but he sees 2026 as an important year for his future with the promotion.
Nurmagomedov (20-0) is scheduled to put his belt on the line against Alfie Davis (18-5) in the main event of PFL: Road to Dubai on Feb. 7 (ESPN App). It’s the penultimate fight on his current contract, he revealed to MMA Junkie, and with plans to compete once more later in the year, negotiations will need to unfold at some point, or he’s looking at a road to free agency.
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“I know it’s going to be only two fights (in 2026) – beginning and end of the year,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie. “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. Look at my last two fights, my opinion I think I grow with these fights against Paul Hughes. He make me grow and for sure, he grow, too. PFL is good. You can make history here, too. The question is what are they going to give me? We’ll see. First of all, I have to finish this guy and that’s it.”
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Nurmagomedov, No. 6 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie lightweight rankings, is starting to hit a level of success in his career where questions can be asked about whether he’s the best in the world in his weight class not only in PFL, but overall.
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A select few fighters outside the UFC have been able to make a legitimate claim to No. 1 status during a specific time, but more often than not, have been unable to prove it.
Nurmagomedov is understanding of the realities he faces in that regard, but notes his youth as his advantages. He also recognizes the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. He is a valuable commodity to PFL, and although he does have a desire to prove his greatness, he sees what’s happening in the UFC lightweight division, and it’s not exactly a meritocracy.
“Of course most of the people think if you’re not in UFC, even if you’re 25-0, 26-0, it’s not enough,” Nurmagomedov said. “I don’t know. Now in UFC they have some interesting situations, too, with Arman Tsarukyan. He is No. 1 contender and (Ilia Topuria) have something with his wife and he’s like, ‘I’m going to fix my family and my life’ and he go out. Now they have interim belt (with Justin Gaethje). Fighting the guy from England (Paddy Pimblett) who have the last three opponents, none of them have win streak. They’re like my father, like 37, 35 years.
“I understand this is good for media and when I’m thinking like, ‘UFC is the place where the best fighters in the world are fighting each other.’ Best fighters. Not who more popular. Only best fighters. But I don’t know. But my opinion in UFC right now, No. 1 in lightweight division is Arman Tsarukyan.”
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Ultimately, Nurmagomedov will trust his management team at Dominance MMA to help guide his future outside the cage, while he focuses on keeping his undefeated record in tact inside of it.
Nurmagomedov’s co-manager Ali Abdelaziz addressed Nurmagomedov’s future with MMA Junkie during UFC 323 fight week this month, and made it clear financials play a big part in what could happen beyond 2026.
“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. He’s going to keep defending his title. He have a contract, and when his contract is finished we’re always going to sit down with the promotion. I work with Mike Kogan, he’s a friend of mine. He’s treated him like gold. The new CEO (John Martin), I just met him.
“At the end of the day, for Usman to come here (to the UFC), everybody have to be happy. I want to make sure the PFL’s happy. And he have to be paid. Because for him, he’s not going to take a pay cut to come to the UFC. Kayla (Harrison) didn’t take a pay cut for the UFC. I think he’s a problem. He’s young, too. Every time I see this kid he’s getting better. He’s very focused. You’re going to have another Nurmagomedov become a champion.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Usman Nurmagomedov addresses potential UFC move as PFL deal winds down
