Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion and Hall of Famer, recently shared his thoughts on the career trajectory of his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov. Speaking on the "Smol Talk" podcast, Khabib made a bold claim: without the Professional Fighters League, Usman would not have reached the UFC at the age of 21. This statement sheds light on the critical role that promotion played in shaping Usman into the fighter he is today.
Usman Nurmagomedov is currently one of the most sought-after fighters competing outside the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He holds the PFL lightweight title and carries an undefeated professional record of 21 wins and one no-contest. His journey began in Bellator MMA, which was later acquired by the PFL. Khabib emphasized that the PFL gave Usman the foundation and opportunity to grow, stating, "Without the PFL, who would have known Usman? At 21, he wouldn't have made it to the UFC. They gave him a base, the roots, the opportunity to grow. The PFL made him a star."
Khabib acknowledged that being his cousin certainly helped Usman gain visibility, but he was quick to highlight that Usman's success is primarily due to his own elite skills. "Of course, being my [cousin] helped, but first and foremost, Usman himself is an elite world-class fighter," Khabib said. "He spent the best years and had the best fights of his early career under that banner, and the PFL helped make him what he is today."
Usman joined Bellator in 2021 with a record of 11-0. Since then, he has extended his winning streak, capturing the Bellator lightweight championship and later unifying it under the PFL banner after the merger. His most notable victories include wins over Benson Henderson, Patricky Pitbull, and Paul Hughes. The only blemish on his record is a no-contest from a failed drug test that was later resolved, allowing him to retain his title.
The PFL has become a major player in mixed martial arts, offering a unique season format where fighters compete in regular-season bouts, playoffs, and a championship final. This structure has helped fighters like Usman develop gradually, facing increasingly tough competition while building their brand. In contrast, the UFC often signs young prospects directly and throws them into the deep end, which can be a risky path for developing talent.
Khabib's comments also highlight the competitive landscape between the UFC and PFL. The PFL has aggressively acquired talent from other organizations, including Bellator, and has positioned itself as a viable alternative for fighters seeking world-class competition. Usman Nurmagomedov is often cited as the top free agent outside the UFC, a status that Khabib attributes directly to the PFL platform. "Among the Top 10 fighters outside the UFC, Usman is No. 1 – the ‘most wanted' free agent, as people say. The PFL platform gave him that position, and I'm deeply grateful to them," Khabib added.
Looking ahead, Usman's current PFL contract expires when he defends his lightweight title against Archie Colgan on July 31 at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York. This fight is highly anticipated, as a win could propel Usman into even bigger opportunities. Rumors have circulated about a potential move to the UFC, but Khabib refused to comment on his cousin's immediate future out of respect for the PFL. "What happens next with Usman? Honestly, I can't discuss it now, and out of respect for the PFL, I don't want to," he said.
The Nurmagomedov family has a storied history in MMA. Khabib retired undefeated with a record of 29-0 after defending his UFC lightweight title against Justin Gaethje in 2020. His dominance in the sport set a high bar for his cousins. Umar Nurmagomedov, Usman's brother, is already in the UFC and is ranked among the top bantamweights. Umar has compiled a 17-0 record, with wins over Jack Shore and Raoni Barcelos. The success of the Nurmagomedov cousins has created a dynasty in mixed martial arts, with many fans eager to see Usman eventually join his brother in the UFC.
However, for now, Usman remains focused on his title defense. His opponent, Archie Colgan, is a tough challenger with a grappling-heavy style. Colgan, a former college wrestler, has won his last seven fights and will be seeking to dethrone the champion. The lightweight title bout headlines a PFL event that also features a middleweight championship fight earlier in the evening. The entire card is set to air on Saturday, July 18 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, but the main event featuring Usman vs. Colgan will take place on July 31.
The PFL has invested heavily in building its brand, and fighters like Usman Nurmagomedov are the centerpieces of that effort. By nurturing young talent and providing a clear path to stardom, the promotion has carved out a niche in the crowded MMA landscape. Khabib's gratitude toward the PFL underscores the symbiotic relationship between fighters and organizations. While the UFC remains the pinnacle of the sport, the PFL has proven that it can develop champions who are ready for the biggest stage.
Usman's journey from a promising prospect to a PFL champion is a testament to his hard work and the support system around him. His undefeated record, combined with his wrestling background and improving striking, makes him a formidable threat to any lightweight in the world. If he eventually signs with the UFC, he will enter the division as a top contender, likely facing elite competition immediately. But Khabib's words serve as a reminder that not every fighter follows the same path, and the PFL deserves credit for its role in shaping Usman's career.
In addition to his fighting ability, Usman carries the legacy of the Nurmagomedov name. The pressure to live up to Khabib's standards is immense, but Usman has handled it with poise. He has consistently improved with each fight, refining his striking, takedown defense, and fight IQ. His grappling remains his greatest weapon, often overwhelming opponents with relentless pressure and chain wrestling. Many analysts compare his style to Khabib's, though Usman is longer and utilizes more kicks.
The PFL lightweight division is currently stacked with talent, including contenders like Colgan, Clay Collard, and Gadzhi Rabadanov. Usman has already beaten several of them, proving his superiority. A win over Colgan would likely set up a title unification bout or a defense against another top challenger. Given Khabib's reluctance to discuss Usman's future, it is possible that negotiations for a new contract are ongoing, with the UFC lurking as a potential suitor.
For fans, the prospect of seeing Usman Nurmagomedov in the UFC is tantalizing. The lightweight division there features champions like Islam Makhachev (also a close friend and training partner of Khabib), Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje. Adding Usman to the mix would create fascinating matchups. However, Khabib's comments suggest that the PFL has earned loyalty from the Nurmagomedov family, and Usman may choose to remain with the organization if they offer a competitive deal.
Ultimately, Khabib's claim that Usman would not have reached the UFC at 21 is not a criticism but rather a recognition of the different paths to success in MMA. The UFC's roster is filled with fighters who entered the promotion at various ages and experience levels. Some, like Jon Jones and Conor McGregor, joined young and became superstars. Others, like Stipe Miocic and Robbie Lawler, took longer to develop and win titles. Usman's journey with Bellator and PFL has allowed him to mature as a fighter without the immense pressure of the UFC spotlight from day one.
As the July 31 fight approaches, all eyes will be on Usman Nurmagomedov. A dominant performance would further solidify his status as the top lightweight outside the UFC and could tip the balance in contract negotiations. Whether he stays in the PFL or makes the leap to the UFC, one thing is certain: Usman Nurmagomedov has already achieved greatness, and his best years may still be ahead. Khabib's words from the podcast will echo as a reminder of the important role that organizations like the PFL play in shaping the future of mixed martial arts.
Source:MSN News