Manager Ali Abdelaziz has revealed that PFL declined to re-sign undefeated lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov before he fought out his contract, with Nurmagomedov going 22-0 after a first-round knockout of Archie Colgan at PFL New York. Abdelaziz says he put a fair number on the table that PFL chose not to meet, making Nurmagomedov the hottest free agent in MMA. While Abdelaziz says loyalty means PFL will get first conversations, he confirmed he will also be speaking with other promotions about his fighter's future.
Ali Abdelaziz has signaled that undefeated lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov could be heading for the open market, revealing that PFL passed on the chance to re-sign him before he completed his contract obligations.
Nurmagomedov closed out his PFL deal in style, finishing Archie Colgan by first-round knockout to move to a perfect 22-0. The 27-year-old Russian, who stands five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach, now enters free agency as one of the most coveted unsigned fighters in the sport. Ranked 14th pound-for-pound, he has built his unbeaten record on a measured but precise game — landing significant strikes at a 52-percent accuracy clip while also carrying a credible grappling threat. His Dagestani roots are evident in his wrestling-heavy approach, and he has navigated the lightweight division without ever tasting defeat.
Abdelaziz stated that he placed what he considered a fair offer in front of PFL and the promotion chose not to match it. Despite that impasse, the manager indicated that loyalty means PFL will still receive the first conversations about Nurmagomedov's future. At the same time, Abdelaziz was direct that other promotions will also be part of those discussions, framing his fighter as the hottest free agent in MMA right now.
Why it matters
- A 22-0 undefeated lightweight champion on the open market is a rare event that could reshape the promotional landscape
- PFL's decision not to retain Nurmagomedov before his final fight gives rival promotions a genuine window to make a bid
- His ranking inside the pound-for-pound top 15 at just 27 years old means any organization signing him is acquiring a fighter still ascending toward his peak
- Whichever promotion lands him gains immediate divisional credibility and a legitimate title-picture contender
