Usman Nurmagomedov believes he could decisively overcome both Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, the fighters set to headline UFC 324. The undefeated PFL lightweight champion recently secured his second victory over Paul Hughes and is preparing to defend his title against Alfie Davis in Dubai on February 7.
Following his rise in the lightweight division, Nurmagomedov was asked about the latest UFC showdown at 155 pounds between Gaethje and Pimblett, a fight that determined who would face the reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria later this year. The Dagestani fighter expressed clear disappointment with the bout’s quality and demeanor.
Assessment of UFC Lightweight Contenders by the PFL Champion
Experts have long viewed Nurmagomedov, now boasting a perfect 20-0 record, as a promising future contender within the UFC ranks. His cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has even suggested Usman is on par with Ilia Topuria. However, the recent Gaethje-Pimblett contest did little to impress Usman during a media session covered by Ushatayka.
He remarked on the fight’s lack of technical finesse and intensity, indicating he felt it resembled a clash between unprepared opponents rather than top-tier athletes. Regarding his potential match-ups with either fighter, Nurmagomedov confidently declared:
“I think it would’ve ended early 100 percent — against either of them,”
Nurmagomedov said.
He also expressed his low regard for Pimblett’s standing in the UFC hierarchy, saying,
“I’ve never even considered Pimblett a top-10 UFC fighter,”
he added.
Conditions Surrounding Usman Nurmagomedov’s Potential UFC Transition
Since proving himself in Bellator and now dominating in the PFL, speculation has mounted about when Nurmagomedov might enter the UFC octagon. Although currently content with his PFL contract, which has him financially well-supported, the fighter’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, revealed a critical condition that would need to be met for a UFC move to happen.
Abdelaziz emphasized the importance of ensuring all parties—including the PFL—are satisfied before such a transition. He explained to MMA Junkie that for Nurmagomedov to join the UFC, there is no intention of taking a pay cut. Abdelaziz referenced Kayla Harrison’s similar situation as precedent, stating:
“He make a lot of money in PFL, they treat him so well and he’s rich,”
Abdelaziz said.
“At the end of the day, it’s a business. When his contract is finished we’re always going to sit down with the promotion. For Usman to come here (to the UFC), everybody have to be happy.”
“I want to make sure the PFL’s happy. And he have to be paid. He’s not going to take a pay cut to come to the UFC. Kayla (Harrison) didn’t take a pay cut for the UFC.”
Potential Impact of Nurmagomedov’s UFC Entry on the Lightweight Division
Should Usman Nurmagomedov make the jump to the UFC, his arrival is likely to shift the lightweight division landscape significantly. With an undefeated record and staunch confidence in his ability to quickly dispatch top competitors like Gaethje and Pimblett, Nurmagomedov could introduce new challenges for reigning champions and other contenders alike.
His presence in the UFC would not only heighten competition but could also inspire increased interest and viewership, given his lineage and the growing esteem of his skills. Fans and analysts continue to watch closely for negotiations between Nurmagomedov’s camp, the PFL, and Dana White’s UFC organization to see when this transition might take place.
