UFC or PFL? Nurmagomedov to decide future ‘very soon’
PFL lightweight world champion Usman Nurmagomedov will decide his next move "very soon" after becoming a free agent, his cousin and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov has said. The undefeated 28-year-old, long tipped as one of the best fighters outside the UFC, has fuelled speculation he could finally sign with the promotion after his contract with the PFL expired following his latest title defence.
Nurmagomedov, who has won all 22 of his professional fights, retained his belt with a first-round knockout of Archie Colgan in New York last week, his sixth defence since the Bellator title was rebranded in 2025. His future is complicated by the PFL's recent merger with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, and post-fight exchanges with both Paul and UFC president Dana White have added to the intrigue, with Khabib confirming negotiations will unfold "over the next month" before a decision is made.
- Usman Nurmagomedov is a free agent after his PFL contract expired
- The undefeated champion could finally move to the UFC
- Cousin Khabib says a decision will come within a month
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Usman Nurmagomedov is a Russian mixed martial arts fighter who competes at lightweight. He has held the PFL’s lightweight title since the organisation took over Bellator, a rival promotion to the UFC, and has an unbeaten professional record.
The UFC and PFL are separate organisations that promote fights and sign fighters. The PFL has recently merged with Most Valuable Promotions, founded by boxer Jake Paul; Nurmagomedov’s cousin Khabib is his coach and represents him in discussions about his career.
Where Nurmagomedov competes next matters because it could shape the balance between the major promotions and determine which fighters and bouts their audiences can see. His choice also carries weight for the PFL, whose lightweight champion is among the sport’s most prominent fighters outside the UFC.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The UFC is unquestionably the sport's premier global promotion, where the strongest competitors gather and where championships carry the greatest prestige and financial reward. An undefeated fighter in his prime has a natural ambition to test himself against elite opposition and establish his legacy by competing at the highest possible level. Moving to the UFC represents the logical career progression for any fighter who has already proven dominant elsewhere.
The case against
Nurmagomedov has assembled an impressive 22-0 record with six consecutive PFL title defences, demonstrating genuine dominance at his current level and the security of established success. The PFL's recent merger with Jake Paul's MVP signals serious investment and growth potential, likely offering competitive compensation while allowing him to remain a top-tier champion. Moving to a more crowded and competitive field carries real risk to both his perfect record and his current standing as an undisputed champion.