🚨 Usman Nurmagomedov is officially FREE to negotiate with the UFC! The undefeated lightweight star's 90-day exclusive negotiation period with the PFL has expired, meaning he can now discuss a potential UFC deal. Dana White has already expressed interest in signing Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin, who has established himself as one of the best lightweights outside the UFC.
Usman Nurmagomedov is now free to negotiate with the UFC. The undefeated lightweight's 90-day exclusive negotiation window with the PFL has expired, clearing the way for him to discuss a potential deal with the world's largest MMA promotion.
The development carries extra weight because Dana White has already expressed interest in signing Nurmagomedov, who is the cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. The story is not a done deal: an expired window means talks are permitted, not that an agreement exists.
The fighter
Nurmagomedov, 27, is a Russian lightweight with a perfect 22-0 record. He stands five-foot-eleven (180 cm) and has a 71-inch reach, also 180 cm. He is listed at number 14 in the pound-for-pound rankings, a notable placement for a fighter who has built his reputation outside the UFC.
His numbers describe a measured, efficient style rather than a high-volume one. Nurmagomedov lands just 0.33 significant strikes per minute, but he connects on 52.78 percent of the ones he throws. That accuracy figure suggests a fighter who picks his moments instead of trading in bulk.
On the ground, he averages 0.65 takedowns per 15 minutes and has recorded no submission attempts per 15 minutes. He is not a prolific wrestler by those figures, and he does not hunt for submissions.
Why it matters
- Nurmagomedov brings an unbeaten 22-fight record to any negotiation, which makes him one of the most notable free agents in the lightweight ranks.
- A move to the UFC would put a 27-year-old with a top-15 pound-for-pound ranking into one of the deepest divisions in the sport.
- His low-volume, high-accuracy striking profile would be tested against UFC lightweights who generally throw far more.
The exclusive window has now closed, so any suitor can approach him. White's stated interest makes the UFC the most visible candidate, but no deal has been reported.
