The conversation around Usman Nurmagomedov’s future just got considerably more interesting. Islam Makhachev has weighed in on where his undefeated Dagestani counterpart truly belongs, and his answer is the UFC. The complication is that the money being put on the table apparently does not reflect the opportunity being offered.
Islam Makhachev’s Case for the Move
Islam Makhachev’s reasoning cuts straight to the point. During an interview with Adam Zubayraev, Makhachev said this about Usman Nurmagomedov’s future:
“Usman should make a move. To fully realize his potential, he needs tougher opponents. They push you to grow. I think Usman still has room to improve. “
The 34-year-old added that once Usman fulfills his PFL contract, he could re-sign with the promotion on a three-fight deal if the UFC doesn’t present a better offer. He noted that there is still plenty of time left, and ultimately, the decision will depend on what the UFC has to offer.
That is not disrespect toward the PFL; it is an honest assessment of where the best lightweights on earth actually are. With the two-division UFC champion himself now competing at welterweight and the lightweight division in a fascinating state of flux following Justin Gaethje’s title win at UFC Freedom 250, the timing for Usman to enter that ecosystem has arguably never been better.
He is 28, undefeated (21-0), and fighting with the same Dagestani pedigree that made Khabib a generational champion.
The UFC’s “Small Purse” Is a Real Obstacle
Here is the part that matters most right now. Despite making the case for Usman to make the leap, Islam Makhachev also flagged that the UFC is currently offering a “small purse,” which creates a genuine problem for a fighter who has already gone on record saying legacy and money are the two things he values above everything else.
Taking a pay cut to fight bigger names is not a straightforward calculation when you have a family depending on you, and Usman has been clear about those responsibilities.
What Usman Nurmagomedov Has Actually Said
Usman Nurmagomedov is not thinking about any of this right now. He has a PFL lightweight title defense against undefeated contender Archie Colgan on July 31 that demands his full attention. He has left all contract discussions to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz.
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