Makhachev on Usman Nurmagomedov's UFC Debut
Islam Makhachev openly advocates for the arrival of his undefeated teammate in the strongest MMA organization and sees him immediately at the top of the lightweight division.
Islam Makhachev openly advocates for the arrival of his undefeated teammate in the strongest MMA organization and sees him immediately at the top of the lightweight division.
Current UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, has publicly expressed his team's ambitions for his compatriot and longtime training partner, Usman Nurmagomedov. After Nurmagomedov fulfilled his contract with the PFL last Friday, Makhachev stated that moving to the UFC and winning the belt is "a dream for their team."
Usman Nurmagomedov concluded his stint in the PFL in impressive fashion, with a first-round knockout of Archie Colgan in the main event of PFL New York. Sources indicate that discussions about a potential move to the UFC resumed immediately after that victory. UFC president Dana White soon gave strong hints that negotiations to sign Nurmagomedov had already begun.
Makhachev's comment was not an official confirmation of a contract, but rather a clear explanation of why he sees the UFC as the ideal environment for his teammate's development. "I don't see opponents for him in the PFL or MVP, but I see many good opponents for him in the UFC," his words are reported by UFC Streaming.
Unlike the gradual introduction of new fighters, Makhachev believes Nurmagomedov could immediately compete with the best. He suggested that his first appearance could be against a fighter from the top 5 of the lightweight division, also highlighting the top 10 as a group with excellent fighters. He specifically named Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan as examples of the caliber of opponent he deems suitable.
It is important to note that these names are merely Makhachev's speculation and an expression of faith in his teammate's abilities, not a confirmation of agreed fights. The official news remains that negotiations are ongoing, while the question of the first opponent remains open.
Makhachev clarified how the potential move to the UFC fits into the broader ambition of the team, which also includes Khabib Nurmagomedov. The collective goal is to see Usman Nurmagomedov as UFC champion. "Becoming UFC champion would be a dream for our team," his words are reported by UFC Live.
While awaiting further developments in negotiations, the focus for Makhachev returns to the present. Nurmagomedov will likely join him in the final weeks of preparation for his title defense at UFC 330 against Ian Machado Garry. Thus, Makhachev remains at the center of both his team's immediate plans and the long-term hopes for his undefeated teammate.
