Islam Makhachev predicts Usman Nurmagomedov will likely join the UFC
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 5:50 AM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev stated there is a 90% probability that his teammate, Usman Nurmagomedov, will transition to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Nurmagomedov recently became a free agent after fulfilling his contract with the Professional Fighters League, a tenure that concluded with a knockout victory against Archie Colgan. According to Makhachev, the move represents a logical progression for the undefeated fighter to test his skills against top-tier divisional competition. While no official deal has been confirmed, Makhachev indicated that the timing is appropriate for his teammate to pursue championship status within the promotion. Nurmagomedov previously turned down a reported $2 million-per-fight offer from the PFL before reaching his current status as a free agent.
- •Islam Makhachev estimates a 90% chance Usman Nurmagomedov will sign with the UFC.
- •Usman Nurmagomedov is currently a free agent after completing his PFL contract.
- •His final PFL appearance resulted in a knockout victory over Archie Colgan.
- •Makhachev cited a desire for Nurmagomedov to compete against high-level ranked opponents.
- 5:50 AMYahoo Sports — Islam Makhachev says there’s a ‘90%’ chance Usman Nurmagomedov joins UFC
- 5:50 AMSherdog — Islam Makhachev says there’s a ‘90%’ chance Usman Nurmagomedov joins UFC
"Islam Makhachev believes his teammate, Usman Nurmagomedov, is on his way to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
"Islam Makhachev believes his teammate, Usman Nurmagomedov, is on his way to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 5:50 AMIslam Makhachev says there’s a ‘90%’ chance Usman Nurmagomedov joins UFC
Islam Makhachev believes his teammate, Usman Nurmagomedov, is on his way to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
- SherdogSep 10, 2026, 5:50 AMIslam Makhachev says there’s a ‘90%’ chance Usman Nurmagomedov joins UFC
Islam Makhachev believes his teammate, Usman Nurmagomedov, is on his way to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
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