Usman Nurmagomedov may join UFC after rejecting PFL offer

PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov is a top free agent in mixed martial arts following the expiration of his contract. Reports indicate that Nurmagomedov turned down an initial $2 million offer to re-sign with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), signaling a potential move to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

UFC champion Islam Makhachev, a teammate and longtime training partner of Nurmagomedov, suggested there is a 90 percent chance the move to the UFC will occur. Makhachev stated that joining the UFC is the ‘perfect move’ for Nurmagomedov to prove he is the best in the world and potentially secure a title shot in the lightweight division. Nurmagomedov, a cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has trained with elite champions throughout his career.