Usman Nurmagomedov’s long-rumored move to the UFC has received another major endorsement, with renowned MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz naming Ilia Topuria as the ideal opponent for the undefeated lightweight’s promotional debut.
Speaking on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Abdelaziz argued that the matchup already has built-in animosity and claimed Nurmagomedov has the tools to hand the former UFC lightweight champion a decisive defeat.
“The fight I want, if he goes to the UFC, is Ilia Topuria for his first fight. There’s already beef there. Ilia created the beef.
I’m telling you straight up, I think Usman will make Ilia quit. He’ll hit him, kick him, and knock him out flat.”
Check out Ali Abdelaziz’s comments below:
Usman Nurmagomedov’s UFC move continues to gather momentum
Ali Abdelaziz’s comments come shortly after Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defended his PFL lightweight title with a dominant first-round knockout victory over Archie Colgan in the final fight of his PFL contract. The performance further cemented the unbeaten Dagestani as one of the world’s premier lightweight talents and intensified speculation surrounding a UFC move.
Former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has also publicly backed the idea of his teammate joining the promotion, stating that he wants to see Nurmagomedov compete against the UFC’s best after completing his PFL commitments.
A potential clash with Topuria would immediately place Nurmagomedov in one of the division’s biggest rivalries.
Ilia Topuria rivalry could continue through Usman Nurmagomedov
Tensions between Ilia Topuria and the Nurmagomedov camp have simmered for years, with exchanges between both sides fueling interest in a future showdown. Many fans had hoped to see Topuria face Makhachev in a blockbuster champion-versus-champion fight, but the matchup never materialized.
With Makhachev now focused on his welterweight title reign, Nurmagomedov could emerge as the next fighter to carry that rivalry forward should he sign with the UFC.
Topuria, meanwhile, is currently recovering after suffering the first defeat of his UFC career against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.
While no return date has been announced, the former lightweight champion remains one of the sport’s biggest stars, making a debut matchup against Nurmagomedov one of the most compelling fights the UFC could book if the undefeated Dagestani completes his long-anticipated move to the promotion.
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