Usman Nurmagomedov is scheduled to defend his lightweight championship against Archie Colgan at the PFL Long Island event on July 31 at the UBS Arena. The upcoming bout marks the final obligation on Nurmagomedov’s current PFL promotional contract. Given his undefeated 21-0 record, speculation has mounted regarding a potential transition to the UFC, where his brother Umar Nurmagomedov is already a top contender.
Current UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev shared his perspective on the situation during a recent interview with Adam Zubayraev, suggesting that a move to the UFC would provide the level of competition necessary for Nurmagomedov’s career progression. Makhachev noted that tougher opponents are essential for a fighter to fully realize their athletic potential.
“Looking at the opponents, I’d say Usman should make the move,” Makhachev stated. “To fully realize his potential, he needs tougher opponents. They push you to grow. I think Usman still has room to improve.”
However, Makhachev also highlighted significant financial hurdles that could impede a deal between Nurmagomedov and the UFC. He pointed out that the Professional Fighters League typically offers substantially higher compensation packages than the UFC is willing to match for incoming talent, estimating that Nurmagomedov might have to accept a significant pay cut to make the jump.
“I don’t know. You have to weigh it,” Makhachev explained. “In PFL, they pay much more. The UFC doesn’t like paying that much. If Usman signs, I think half the purse he gets in PFL. The UFC won’t pay that. I think there’s still time. If he works out one more contract, three fights, he won’t be late for anything. Let the UFC make him an offer he can’t refuse. I think it’s possible, but if they offer a small purse, what’s the point of going when they don’t give you a third of what you’re currently making?”
