Usman Nurmagomedov is confident he matches up well with the UFC’s top lightweights. The reigning PFL lightweight champion believes he belongs in the conversation with the UFC’s elite as it pertains to top lightweight in the sport.
Nurmagomedov, 27, holds an undefeated 21-0 (1) professional record. He trains under the tutelage of his cousin, UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, and AKA coach Javier Mendez. The Dagestani has already achieved plenty of success, having won the Bellator and PFL lightweight titles.
Nurmagomedov capped off an impressive performance at PFL Dubai yesterday, submitting Alfie Davis in the 3rd round. That win marked his first official PFL lightweight title defense after capturing the inaugural title last October.
During his post-fight press conference, Nurmagomedov addressed his place among the top lightweights. The UFC has three lightweights vying for that spot, including Arman Tsarukyan, interim champion Justin Gaethje, and current champion Ilia Topuria.
Although he competes in the PFL, Nurmagomedov made it clear that he believes he can defeat the UFC’s elite.
“Firstly, the preparation for [Topuria and Tsarukyan] would be completely different. They’re fighters of a different level in terms of skill. For example, Arman both wrestles and strikes,” Nurmagomedov said. “So, the preparation would have been entirely different. But the result would have been the same [as tonight].”
Nurmagomedov also took a shot at Tsarukyan’s record after being asked if his grappling is better.
“Well, unlike Arman, I don’t have a loss.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Usman Nurmagomedov is a UFC-Caliber Fighter
Khabib Nurmagomedov also shared his thoughts on his cousin Usman’s development and said he is a UFC-caliber fighter. There have been mixed feelings on the caliber of former Bellator and PFL champions after they had difficult debuts in the UFC.
Despite that, ‘The Eagle’ believes the PFL lightweight champion is at the level of the UFC‘s elite. He has witnessed his growth firsthand, training with his cousin extensively throughout his career.
During an interview with MMA Team Gorilla Fighting, Nurmagomedov said Usman has significantly improved in the past year alone.
“I have my opinion on this, but it’s not right to talk about the UFC, being a PFL fighter,” Nurmagomedov said. “In one year, Usman has grown a lot. I’m fighting with him myself, I’m working [with him] personally. And from the outside, he’s at least on the same level as [the UFC lightweights].”
‘The Eagle’ said he would not have been confident with his claim a year ago. However, he feels strongly about Usman’s chances right now.
“A year ago, I would have said we still have to wait, but now [Usman is] already at that level. Time will show.”
Usman Only Focused on Lightweight
Nurmagomedov also addressed whether he will follow his teammate Islam Makhachev‘s footsteps and chase double-champ status.
During his post-fight press conference, the PFL champion said he is only focused on lightweight at the moment. He noted that a fellow Dagestani currently holds the title, so he doesn’t want to pursue a move to 170 pounds.
“For the second division, the champion is from Dagestan,” Nurmagomedov said. “We already have this belt so I don’t feel like I have to take this belt. You never know [in the future, maybe it will change].”
Usman Nurmagomedov: “The Result Would Be the Same” Against UFC’s Elite