🚨BREAKING: Usman Nurmagomedov will sign with the UFC once his exclusive negotiating period with the PFL expires at the end of October. The undefeated lightweight has completed his PFL contract, and his next move will finally take him to the biggest stage in MMA. The decision was already made, with the UFC emerging as his destination, although no deal has been officially announced. Nurmagomedov is 22-0 and has established himself as one of the best lightweights outside the UFC. As for his debut? If the deal comes together in the coming weeks, later this year or early 2027 could be a realistic target, against a top-ranked lightweight. With Khabib in his corner and Umar already competing in the UFC, the Nurmagomedov family could soon have another member inside the Octagon. The question is whether Usman can make an immediate impact in the UFC’s stacked 155-pound division. 👀
Usman Nurmagomedov is reported to be headed to the UFC once his exclusive negotiating window with the PFL closes at the end of October. The undefeated lightweight has completed his PFL contract, and the UFC is said to be his chosen destination. No deal has been officially announced.
The report suggests a debut could come in the coming months. Later this year or early 2027 is described as a realistic target, with a top-ranked lightweight as the likely opponent.
Nurmagomedov, 27, is 22-0 and a native of Russia. He stands five-foot-eleven (180 cm) with a 71-inch reach, which is also 180 cm. He is ranked 14th on AgentMMA's pound-for-pound list, a notable placement for a fighter who has built his résumé outside the UFC.
His numbers point to a controlled, selective style rather than a volume-striking approach. He lands 0.33 significant strikes per minute at 52.78 percent accuracy, meaning he lands just over half of what he throws. His takedown rate sits at 0.65 per 15 minutes, and he has attempted no submissions per 15 minutes in the tracked sample. Those figures suggest a fighter who wins through measured exchanges and positional control instead of pace.
The move would add another member of the family to the UFC roster. Khabib Nurmagomedov would be in his corner, and Umar Nurmagomedov is already competing in the promotion.
Why it matters
- The UFC's 155-pound division is deep, and a 22-0 arrival would immediately raise the question of how quickly he is matched with ranked opposition.
- His low strike output and 52.78 percent accuracy offer a clear stylistic profile for UFC opponents to study.
- A debut against a top-ranked lightweight would test an unbeaten record built largely away from the UFC.
If the signing comes together as described, Nurmagomedov would enter the promotion with a perfect record and a pound-for-pound ranking already attached to his name.
