Islam
Makhachev believes Usman
Nurmagomedov is as good as any
UFC lightweight.
While most elite fighters of Makhachev’s team are in the UFC,
Nurmagomedov is making waves in the
Professional Fighters League. The undefeated PFL lightweight
champion is inevitably being compared to top-tier UFC lightweights.
Makhachev knows Nurmagomedov’s true potential, having trained with
him since childhood. The UFC welterweight champion believes
Nurmagomedov can pose a serious threat to the best UFC
lightweights.
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Nurmagomedov has one fight left on his current PFL contract, which
will expire at the end of 2026 regardless of whether he fights
again. While Makhachev believes Nurmagomedov is already ready for
the UFC, he doesn’t want his teammate to rush things. Makhachev
believes it will be the perfect time for Nurmagomedov’s UFC career
once his PFL contract expires in 2026.
Plenty of Time Ahead
“Honestly, I don’t think Usman is any worse than anyone [in the
UFC],” Makhachev told Ushatayka. “He would give very hard rounds to
any of them. We have been training together for so many years, and
I know his true potential. He is still young and has plenty of time
ahead of him. If you ask me, I think he is ready. But let him take
his time. As long as his contract expires within a year, it will be
the perfect time [to move to the UFC].”
Nurmagomedov (21-0) has finished 15 of his 21 career wins so far,
leaving behind names like Patricky
Freire and Benson
Henderson in his wake. Nurmagomedov won the inaugural PFL
lightweight title against Paul Hughes
last year and has since defended it in a rematch against Hughes and
against Alfie
Davis.
Islam believes that Usman
Nurmagomedov is already good enough to compete at the UFC level
but says he doesn’t need to rush, and as long as his contract
expires within the next year, it’ll be a perfect time to join the
UFC“I think he’s ready, he would give hard rounds to anyone… pic.twitter.com/4xlU9rDfmC
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA)
February 21, 2026