Usman Nurmagomedov is now MMA’s most prized free agent. |📷: PFL MMA
UsmanNurmagomedov has emerged as the most sought-after free agent inmixed martial arts after completing his contract with the Professional Fighters League.
Comments from Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO DanaWhite and Usman’s cousin, UFC Hall of Famer KhabibNurmagomedov, suggest his next move could be unveiled soon.
Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals negotiations on UsmanNurmagomedov’s future will commence ‘soon’
Nurmagomedov further extended his perfect record and added to hisvalue as a free agent with his dominant victory over ArchieColgan at PFL New York. While a UFC move is rumored, re-signing with thePFL could be a possibility amid the promotion’s merger withMost Valuable Promotions.
Notably, PFL CEO John Martin and MVP co-founder Jake Paulhave publicly expressed their desire to retain the undefeatedlightweight champion. However, when asked about Usman followingUFC Belgrade, White confirmed the UFC’s interest in the Russianand later doubled down on the claim with a subtle hint in a socialmedia post, sharing a smiling emoji.
Khabib also weighed in on Usman’s future. In an Instagram post, theformer UFC lightweight champion revealed that negotiations will beheld soon.
“Usman has shown and proven over the last couple of years that heis the best lightweight outside the UFC,” Khabib wrote onInstagram. “Not with words, but with his performances. When I saidin 2020 that Islam was the best at that time, there were manypeople who disagreed. Believe me guys, there are levels to thisgame. You will see for yourselves what happens next. There will benegotiations over the next month, and very soon you will find outfor yourselves which league he will continue competing in.”
An elitemiddleweight clash headlines PFL Charlotte: Tune on Friday, Aug. 7at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.
