Islam Makhachev, the UFC welterweight champion, delivered a succinct message to Alfie Davis following the PFL main event on February 7 in Dubai. Makhachev was present at the first PFL event of 2026 to support his teammate Usman Nurmagomedov, who faced Davis in the headline bout.
Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight title decisively, overcoming Davis in the third round with an arm-triangle choke that left the English contender unconscious. After the fight, Makhachev joined his countryman in the cage for celebrations but also addressed Davis directly.
The History Between Alfie Davis and Islam Makhachev’s Team
Alfie Davis earned his title shot at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena by winning the 2025 PFL lightweight tournament, achieving notable victories over Clay Collard, Brent Primus, and a surprising win against Gadzhi Rabadanov. That victory set up his clash with Nurmagomedov, a teammate of Makhachev.
Makhachev acknowledged Davis’s past impact on their team, recalling the upset Davis caused when defeating Rabadanov last August in Charlotte. Following Nurmagomedov’s victory over Davis, Makhachev reminded him of the overall results between them inside the cage.
“I dared to be great but got choked out,”
Davis commented on his Instagram Stories. “This is the life of elite competition.
“The best line came from Islam Makhachev at the end when I shook his hand. He went, ‘Hey brother, 1-1.’”
“Well done to Usman. (He) is a really tricky guy, man. Hard to hit, really tricky on the floor,”
Davis added.
Prospects for Usman Nurmagomedov Following His Success
Usman Nurmagomedov’s dominant performance in the PFL has sparked predictions that he may soon follow in Islam Makhachev’s footsteps by transitioning to the UFC. Observers expect the PFL lightweight champion to eventually join the highly competitive UFC lightweight division, which features fighters like Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, and Max Holloway.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, cousin to Usman, has publicly stated he believes Usman surpasses Topuria. The Dagestan team envisions Usman succeeding both “The Eagle” Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev in the UFC lightweight hierarchy.
With Saturday’s fight marking the penultimate bout on Usman Nurmagomedov’s current PFL contract, opportunities could soon arise for UFC entry if he chooses not to renew. Dana White and other UFC executives may pursue signing him, increasing anticipation around his next career move.
Significance of Makhachev’s Message and Future Developments
Islam Makhachev’s reaction to Alfie Davis highlights the ongoing rivalry and respect within the lightweight ranks connected by shared teammates and competition history. His “1-1” comment underlines the balance of past encounters and fosters a narrative of competitive respect despite defeats.
Meanwhile, Usman Nurmagomedov’s rise signals a potential shift in the lightweight landscape, with the PFL champion poised to challenge the UFC’s elite. As Nurmagomedov edges closer to UFC eligibility, fans and analysts alike watch keenly to see whether he will continue the legacy established by his cousin Khabib and Makhachev himself.
