Chael Sonnen believes Usman Nurmagomedov could be one fight away from a UFC lightweight title shot if the undefeated Dagestani signs with the promotion following his PFL exit.
Discussing Nurmagomedov’s future, Sonnen identified reigning UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, former champion Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, Ilia Topuria, and Paddy Pimblett as potential opponents for the inaugural PFL lightweight champion. He said:
“Would he walk right into Justin Gaethje, or would he have to get through someone first? It could be Charles, it could be Tsarukyan, and it could be Ilia. But after that, if it goes well, would he go right in for a title? Yes. Usman would have a maximum of one fight before he went for the belt.”
Check out Chael Sonnen’s comments about Usman Nurmagomedov below:
Sonnen’s comments come at a time when Nurmagomedov’s future has become one of the biggest talking points in MMA. Last week, the 28-year-old successfully defended the PFL lightweight title with a devastating first-round knockout of previously unbeaten Archie Colgan at PFL New York. The victory marked the final fight of his PFL contract, making him one of the sport’s highest-profile free agents.
Usman Nurmagomedov expected to enter UFC free agency
Usman Nurmagomedov leaves the PFL after cementing himself as one of the best lightweights outside the UFC. Since capturing the Bellator lightweight championship in 2022, he has defended the belt against elite opposition while maintaining his unbeaten professional record. His dominant finish of Colgan only strengthened the belief that he has outgrown the competition available to him.
A move to the UFC has been widely anticipated, with the promotion offering the deepest lightweight division in mixed martial arts. Sonnen believes Nurmagomedov has already proven enough to warrant an immediate fight against a top contender, rather than working his way through the rankings.
Each of the names suggested presents a different path. A matchup with Oliveira or Tsarukyan would test him against established contenders, while clashes with Topuria or Pimblett would generate significant fan interest. A direct title shot against Gaethje would represent the fastest route to UFC gold, although Sonnen expects Nurmagomedov to make at most one appearance before competing for the championship.
If Nurmagomedov ultimately signs with the UFC, the promotion will inherit one of the most accomplished free agents in the sport. With an undefeated record, championship pedigree, and victories over several elite opponents, the Dagestani appears poised to become an immediate factor in the lightweight title picture.
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