Islam Makhachev has publicly called for undefeated PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov to join the UFC, stating his teammate is ready to fight for the title immediately. Makhachev, now the UFC welterweight champion, noted that his own move up to 170 pounds removes the previous obstacle that had kept Nurmagomedov from pursuing the UFC lightweight belt. Nurmagomedov, 22-0 with one no contest, completed his PFL contract with a first-round knockout of previously unbeaten Archie Colgan and remains a free agent weighing his options based on legacy and financial considerations.
Islam Makhachev has thrown his public support behind unbeaten lightweight contender Usman Nurmagomedov, calling on his Eagles MMA teammate to sign with the UFC and challenge for the 155-pound title right away.
Makhachev, 34, made the comments ahead of UFC 330 on August 15, where he competes at welterweight after moving up from lightweight. The Russian holds a 28-1 record and is the current UFC welterweight champion, ranked at the top of the pound-for-pound list. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, Makhachev has long been regarded as one of the sport's most complete fighters, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate. His move to 170 pounds is central to the story: Makhachev noted it removes the conflict of interest that previously complicated any UFC path for his teammate at lightweight.
Nurmagomedov, 27, enters free agency with a spotless 22-0 record and one no contest, and holds the PFL lightweight championship. The Dagestan native stands five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach and is currently ranked 14th in the pound-for-pound standings despite never having competed in the UFC. He completed his PFL contract by finishing the previously unbeaten Archie Colgan in the first round, and is now weighing his next move with legacy and financial terms both factors in his decision.
Why it matters
- Nurmagomedov's undefeated record and PFL title make him one of the most sought-after free agents in MMA
- Makhachev's departure from lightweight opens a clearer lane for his teammate to pursue the UFC belt without internal team conflict
- A Nurmagomedov signing would immediately shake up the UFC lightweight division's title picture
- His next move remains unconfirmed, with no deal in place as of the report date
Saturday, August 15, 2026
