Khabib Nurmagomedov has declared Usman Nurmagomedov the best lightweight outside the UFC and indicated that negotiations on a new deal for the fighter will take place over the coming month. Khabib added that fans will 'see what happens next,' hinting at a significant development on the horizon.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has publicly declared Usman Nurmagomedov the best lightweight in the world outside the UFC and revealed that contract negotiations for the 27-year-old fighter are expected to take place within the coming month. Speaking on the matter, Khabib told fans they will "see what happens next," signaling that a significant development may be approaching.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the 37-year-old Russian retired legend who carries a perfect 29-0 career record, has transitioned into a management and mentorship role since stepping away from competition. His undefeated run, built on a relentless grappling game that averaged 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes, gave him lasting authority in the sport. That credibility now lends considerable weight to his endorsement of Usman as a top-tier talent deserving of elite-level competition.
Usman Nurmagomedov, also undefeated at 20-0, stands six-foot-one with a 71-inch reach and currently sits at number 14 in the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian 27-year-old has built his flawless record with a striking accuracy of nearly 53 percent, a rate that underscores precision over volume. Still only 27, he has time and momentum on his side as negotiations over his next deal take shape.
Why it matters
- An undefeated pound-for-pound ranked lightweight entering new contract talks could reshape the 155-pound landscape across promotions.
- Khabib's direct involvement signals this is more than routine business — his public framing of Usman as the best lightweight outside the UFC adds pressure and expectation to the outcome.
- At 27 and 20-0, Usman is entering his prime, making the terms and destination of any new deal especially consequential for his long-term trajectory.
