Ali Abdelaziz Shares Update on Usman Nurmagomedov’s Potential UFC Signing

The future of mixed martial arts' hottest free agent remains up in the air as manager Ali Abdelaziz pumps the brakes on immediate UFC jump rumors. Following Usman Nurmagomedov completing his contract with the Professional Fighters League, speculation ran wild that the undefeated lightweight powerhouse was on a direct collision course with the Octagon. However, Abdelaziz clarified that a final decision is far from settled.

Speaking to Russian combat sports reporter Adam Zubayraev, the Dominance MMA chief was candid about where negotiations currently stand regarding the 22-0 champion. “I don't know yet. We have to talk with everybody. I'm going to speak with UFC… and after that, I come back to the team and talk with Khabib and Usman and... and they'll make a decision,” Abdelaziz stated. The update comes shortly after Nurmagomedov capped off his PFL run with a brutal first-round knockout over Archie Colgan at PFL New York, officially fulfilling his contractual obligations.

Usman Nurmagomedov's Decision Rooted in Legacy and Business

While fight fans eagerly anticipate seeing Nurmagomedov test his mettle against Octagon regulars, PFL still retains a 90-day exclusive negotiation window with the Dagestani star. Abdelaziz previously revealed that PFL chose not to extend Nurmagomedov before his last bout, prompting the 28-year-old titleholder to gamble on himself—a risk that paid off massively.

Still, making the leap across promotional lines involves far more than basic contract terms. Former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov plays a pivotal role in guiding his cousin’s career decisions alongside head coaches at Eagles MMA and American Kickboxing Academy.

Abdelaziz has publicly touted that Nurmagomedov could dominate premier UFC lightweight contenders like Charles Oliveira and Paddy Pimblett. Meanwhile, current UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev recently noted that jumping promotions might require financial tradeoffs compared to remaining PFL's premier draw.

UFC Chief Executive Officer Dana White has acknowledged interest in bringing the Dagestani prodigy into the fold, but Abdelaziz insists that full team consensus will dictate their next move.

Whether Nurmagomedov re-signs with PFL or takes his undefeated record to the Octagon, his pending decision will shape the lightweight landscape for years to come. For now, the combat sports community will have to wait patiently as Abdelaziz completes his rounds at the negotiating table.