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Usman Nurmagomedov has become the most sought after free agent in mixed martial arts following the expiration of his Professional Fighters League contract. Fresh off a spectacular first round knockout victory over Archie Colgan at PFL New York, the undefeated lightweight champion now faces the biggest decision of his career.
Will he remain with the newly merged PFL MVP organization or finally make the long anticipated move to the UFC?
That answer could arrive sooner rather than later.
According to his cousin and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov, negotiations over Usman’s future will begin this month, with a decision expected “very soon.” As speculation grows, UFC president Dana White has already expressed interest, while PFL executives remain determined to retain one of their biggest stars.
Usman Nurmagomedov enters free agency at the perfect time
Few fighters have entered free agency with stronger momentum than Nurmagomedov.
The 28 year old Russian improved his professional record to a flawless 22 wins with no losses after knocking out Archie Colgan in the opening round. The victory marked his second successful PFL lightweight title defense and sixth consecutive championship win dating back to his Bellator reign before the promotion was rebranded under the PFL banner in 2025.
More impressively, Usman Nurmagomedov has finished 16 of his 22 professional victories while establishing himself as one of the world’s premier lightweight fighters outside the UFC.
His contract expired immediately after defeating Colgan, giving him complete freedom to negotiate with any organization.
Khabib hints that a decision is close
Khabib Nurmagomedov made it clear that the process will move quickly.
In an Instagram post, the former UFC lightweight champion praised his cousin’s accomplishments and compared him to Islam Makhachev, who Khabib famously declared the world’s best lightweight years before he won UFC gold.
“Usman has shown and proven over the last couple of years that he is the best lightweight outside the UFC. Not with words, but with his performances.”
Khabib also confirmed that negotiations will take place over the next month.
“You will see for yourselves what happens next. There will be negotiations over the next month, and very soon you will find out for yourselves which league he will continue competing in.”
Those comments immediately intensified speculation surrounding a possible UFC debut.
Dana White and the UFC are paying attention
The UFC has never hidden its admiration for elite undefeated fighters, and Nurmagomedov fits that profile perfectly.
Following UFC Belgrade, Dana White smiled when asked about signing the Dagestani champion and simply replied, “Sure.”
While brief, the response suggested that the UFC would welcome discussions if Nurmagomedov decides to test free agency.
A move to the promotion would instantly create blockbuster matchups against elite lightweights including Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, Paddy Pimblett and former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Because Islam Makhachev now competes at welterweight, the long discussed conflict between teammates would no longer stand in the way of Usman’s title ambitions at lightweight.
Demetrious Johnson urges UFC to make a major move
Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson believes the UFC should do everything possible to secure Usman Nurmagomedov’s signature.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Johnson said:
“If I were Dana, I would pay Usman Nurmagomedov whatever he wants to take him away from that PFL merger because you’re stealing a star from their organization.”
Johnson believes signing Nurmagomedov would strengthen the UFC while weakening one of its biggest competitors. He also pointed to the influence of the Nurmagomedov team, which includes Khabib, Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov and several other elite fighters.
Money could decide the outcome
While legacy often drives championship athletes, Usman Nurmagomedov has openly admitted that financial security plays a significant role in his career decisions.
Following his victory over Colgan, he jokingly asked MVP co owner Jake Paul for a performance bonus.
Paul responded with a smile.
“Next fight if you get a knockout, I’ll buy you a car.”
Nurmagomedov then hinted that nothing had been finalized.
“Brother let’s talk about today. We don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”
He later added another interesting remark directed at the newly merged promotion.
“MVP, they always trash talk about Dana saying he doesn’t pay. Now we’re gonna see how they’re gonna pay.”
Those comments have fueled speculation that financial terms could become the deciding factor during negotiations.
Why this decision matters
The timing could not be more important.
The PFL recently completed its merger with Most Valuable Promotions, creating a new era for the organization. Keeping Usman Nurmagomedov would provide the promotion with one of the best lightweight champions in the sport and a proven headline attraction.
For the UFC, signing an undefeated 22 and 0 champion entering his prime would strengthen one of its deepest divisions while giving fans several dream matchups that have been discussed for years.
Usman Nurmagomedov possesses an exciting blend of striking, kicking attacks and high level grappling that separates him from many Dagestani fighters. While comparisons with Khabib are inevitable, Usman’s style is more diverse offensively and has produced highlight reel finishes throughout his career.
Whether he chooses the UFC or remains with the PFL MVP, his decision will have a significant impact on the lightweight landscape.
One thing is certain. Usman Nurmagomedov enters negotiations with all the leverage, an undefeated record and the attention of every major MMA promotion. Within the next month, the sport’s biggest free agent is expected to reveal where the next chapter of his remarkable career will unfold.
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