Islam Makhachev has revealed that Usman Nurmagomedov is 90% done with a move to the UFC. The lightweight champion's comments signal that a formal announcement could be imminent for the unbeaten contender.
Islam Makhachev has indicated that unbeaten lightweight Usman Nurmagomedov is close to finalizing a move to the UFC, telling reporters that the deal is roughly 90 percent complete. The lightweight champion's remarks, made public on September 10, 2026, suggest a formal announcement may not be far off — though nothing has been confirmed and the situation remains a report rather than a done deal.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 29-1-0 record and currently reigns as welterweight champion under the Eagles MMA banner. The Russian southpaw lands 2.27 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate and averages 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete fighters in the sport and the current pound-for-pound number one.
Nurmagomedov, also from Russia, enters the picture as one of the most sought-after unsigned talents in MMA. The 27-year-old carries a perfect 22-0-0 record, stands five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach, and is ranked 14th pound-for-pound despite competing outside the UFC. At 27, he would be arriving in the organization with significant upside and an unblemished résumé.
Why it matters
- A 22-0 unbeaten contender joining the UFC's lightweight division would immediately shake up the rankings
- Makhachev's personal endorsement and team connection to Nurmagomedov adds credibility to the report
- The lightweight division would gain one of the most hyped unsigned prospects in recent memory
- Nothing is official yet, and the remaining 10 percent leaves room for the deal to fall through
