The potential for Usman Nurmagomedov to join the UFC lightweight division now rests on a single, significant condition: money. According to his manager, the reigning PFL champion will only consider the move if the UFC is willing to match his current PFL salary, setting the stage for a high-stakes negotiation.
Nurmagomedov, the cousin of UFC legend Khabib, has two fights left on his existing PFL deal. His immediate focus is a title defence against Alfie Davis on 7 February 2026 in Dubai. However, his team has made it clear that discussions about his future are already underway.
The Non-Negotiable Condition from Management
Ali Abdelaziz, head of Dominance MMA and manager for both Usman and Khabib Nurmagomedov, has drawn a clear line in the sand regarding his client’s future. He has publicly stated that a move to the UFC is contingent entirely on financial parity.
“He makes a lot of money in the PFL,” Abdelaziz said in a recent interview. “If the UFC wants him, they have to match his pay. We are not taking a pay cut.” This firm stance highlights the changing economics of MMA, where top-tier free agents from rival promotions can command significant contracts.
The Road Through Dubai: A Title Defence First
Before any crossover can happen, Nurmagomedov must handle his business in the PFL. The undefeated champion cemented his status with a victory over Paul Hughes last October and now faces UK veteran Alfie Davis in the first of his two remaining contracted bouts.
A dominant performance in Dubai would only strengthen his negotiating position, proving his marketability and skill ahead of potential talks with the UFC. For the UFC’s part, adding an undefeated champion with the Nurmagomedov name would be a major coup for the stacked 155-pound division.
A Legacy in the Making: Following in Famous Footsteps
The intrigue around Usman is amplified by his famous family lineage. His cousin, the retired and undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov, has already voiced strong confidence in his abilities, suggesting Usman has the talent to become a UFC champion.
This endorsement adds considerable weight to Usman’s potential. A successful transition to the UFC would not only elevate his own career but also extend the storied Nurmagomedov legacy within the sport’s premier organisation, creating must-see matchups against the division’s elite.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Waiting Game
For now, Usman Nurmagomedov’s path to the UFC is defined by a simple equation: equal pay equals a deal. As he prepares for his February title defence, the broader MMA world will be watching to see if the UFC is willing to meet the price for one of the hottest free-agent prospects on the market.
The coming months will determine whether the Nurmagomedov name returns to the UFC octagon or continues its championship reign elsewhere.