Usman Nurmagomedov triumphs at PFL New York, entering free agency
MMA Fighting • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 3:30 PM
Last updated Aug 6, 2026
Usman Nurmagomedov fought Archie Colgan at PFL New York on August 5, winning the bout in the first round. This performance came as he became a free agent following the fight, raising questions about his future. Nurmagomedov may choose between continuing with the newly merged MVPFL or pursuing a title in the UFC. The panel on 'Between The Links' reflected on his victory and discussed other notable events from PFL New York and UFC Belgrade, including Dakota Ditcheva's performance and an upcoming Noche UFC main event announcement.
- •Usman Nurmagomedov defeats Archie Colgan at PFL New York on August 5.
- •Nurmagomedov’s win marks the end of his contract with PFL.
- •Discussion includes Dakota Ditcheva and Uros Medic's performances.
- •The MVP-PFL merger has increased interest in Nurmagomedov's future.
- •Upcoming Noche UFC main event also discussed on 'Between The Links'.
- 3:30 PMMMA Fighting — Between The Links | Reaction to Usman Nurmagomedov’s free agency, UFC Belgrade, PFL New York, Noche UFC, and more
- 3:30 PMYahoo Sports — Between The Links | Reaction to Usman Nurmagomedov’s free agency, UFC Belgrade, PFL New York, Noche UFC, and more
"Usman Nurmagomedov is the hottest free agent in MMA, especially with the new MVP-PFL merger. This past weekend, Nurmagomedov fought out his PFL contract in style, running through Archie Colgan at PFL New York in the first round. Now, Nurmagomedov has to choose between being the face of the new MVPFL promotion or attempting to follow in the footsteps of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, and vie for the UFC lightweight title. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to Usman Nurmagomedov’s win over Colgan at PFL New York and where the top lightweight goes from here. Additionally, the panel discusses the rest of PFL New York, Dakota Ditcheva’s underwhelming win, Uros Medic’s big win at UFC Belgrade, the recently announced main event for next month’s Noche UFC card, and more. Join MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee as they answer your questions all show long. Watch the show live at Noon ET / 9 a.m. PT in the video above. If you missed the show live, you can still watch above or listen to the podcast version, which can be found below and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your pods.
"Usman Nurmagomedov is the hottest MMA free agent in years, and both the PFL and the UFC need him
Sources
External links- MMA FightingAug 6, 2026, 3:30 PMBetween The Links | Reaction to Usman Nurmagomedov’s free agency, UFC Belgrade, PFL New York, Noche UFC, and more
Usman Nurmagomedov is the hottest free agent in MMA, especially with the new MVP-PFL merger. This past weekend, Nurmagomedov fought out his PFL contract in style, running through Archie Colgan at PFL New York in the first round. Now, Nurmagomedov has to choose between being the face of the new MVPFL promotion or attempting to follow in the footsteps of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, and vie for the UFC lightweight title. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to Usman Nurmagomedov’s win over Colgan at PFL New York and where the top lightweight goes from here. Additionally, the panel discusses the rest of PFL New York, Dakota Ditcheva’s underwhelming win, Uros Medic’s big win at UFC Belgrade, the recently announced main event for next month’s Noche UFC card, and more. Join MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee as they answer your questions all show long. Watch the show live at Noon ET / 9 a.m. PT in the video above. If you missed the show live, you can still watch above or listen to the podcast version, which can be found below and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your pods.
- Yahoo SportsAug 6, 2026, 3:30 PMBetween The Links | Reaction to Usman Nurmagomedov’s free agency, UFC Belgrade, PFL New York, Noche UFC, and more
Usman Nurmagomedov is the hottest MMA free agent in years, and both the PFL and the UFC need him
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