Usman Nurmagomedov weighs a potential UFC move against the backdrop of a winding PFL deal, insisting he remains content as the division’s lightweight champion while eyes turn to 2026. With a perfect 20-0 record, Nurmagomedov will defend his title against Alfie Davis (18-5) in the main event of PFL: Road to Dubai on February 7 (ESPN App). The clash marks the penultimate bout on his current contract, and while he plans to compete again later in the year, negotiations will determine whether he stays or explores free agency.
“I know there will only be two fights in 2026—one at the start of the year and one at the end,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie. “I have two fights left on my contract, and after this Davis fight, we’ll start talking about the future. We’ll see how interested they are in me.”
For Nurmagomedov, competing in PFL has its positives. He is the champion, and the promotion features a depth of contenders he believes can rise, evidenced by his recent battles with Paul Hughes. He notes that PFL offers a path to making history within its ranks, provided the terms are right. “First, I have to finish this guy, and then we’ll discuss what comes next.”
As MMA Junkie’s ranking currently places him No. 6 in the lightweight division, Nurmagomedov is entering a phase where questions about being the world’s best in his weight class—across all promotions—start to arise. Historically, only a handful of non-UFC athletes have claimed a legitimate No. 1 status for a period, often without a lasting proof. Nurmagomedov acknowledges the reality of that landscape but argues his youth gives him advantages, while also recognizing that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. He remains a valuable asset to PFL and is driven to prove his greatness, even as he observes the UFC’s evolving dynamics, which he doesn’t view as a pure meritocracy.
“Most people think you’re not the best unless you’re in the UFC, even if your record is 25-0 or 26-0,” he said. “The UFC has its own intriguing stories—Arman Tsarukyan is the No. 1 contender, but there are personal and situational distractions around the top names. The UFC is the place where the best fighters should test themselves, not just the most popular ones. Still, my take on the UFC’s lightweight picture right now is that Arman Tsarukyan sits at No. 1.”
Ultimately, Nurmagomedov plans to rely on Dominance MMA to navigate his path beyond 2026 while he focuses on preserving his undefeated record inside the cage.
Nurmagomedov’s co-manager Ali Abdelaziz touched on the fighter’s future during UFC 323 fight week, underscoring that money plays a critical role in any long-term decision. He emphasized that Nurmagomedov currently enjoys favorable terms in PFL and is financially secure, but stressed that any move to the UFC would require mutual satisfaction and fair compensation.
“Usman has earned substantial money in PFL, and they treat him exceptionally well,” Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie. “Ultimately, this is a business. He’ll continue defending his title under his contract, and when that contract ends, we’ll sit down with the promotions. I work with Mike Kogan, who’s a friend and has treated him well. The new CEO, John Martin, I’ve met him too. For Usman to come to the UFC, everyone has to be happy, and he has to be paid fairly. He isn’t willing to take a pay cut to jump to the UFC. Kayla Harrison didn’t take a pay cut to join the UFC either. He’s still very young and getting better all the time. You could see another Nurmagomedov become a champion.”
