Dana White admits UFC considers signing Usman Nurmagomedov: "Sure"
The UFC CEO was asked about signing the undefeated PFL champion after his final fight under his current contract.
After defending the PFL lightweight title with a first-round knockout victory over Archie Colgan in the final fight of his current contract, Usman Nurmagomedov is officially on the market. Undefeated throughout his professional career, the Russian fighter has now become one of the most prominent free agents in MMA, and the UFC could be one of his potential destinations.
Speaking at a post-fight press conference following UFC Belgrade, UFC CEO Dana White was asked about the possibility of signing Nurmagomedov.
UFC Emerges as Potential Destination for Usman Nurmagomedov
A former Bellator lightweight champion before conquering the PFL lightweight title, Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of the best fighters outside the UFC. The Russian has won all 22 of his professional MMA fights and most recently added another dominant victory to his record by stopping Archie Colgan in the first round.
With Nurmagomedov now a free agent, the possibility of a move to the UFC has naturally emerged as one of the most interesting options for the undefeated champion. When asked directly if the promotion would consider signing him, White gave a brief but positive answer.
"Sure."
White's response does not mean that negotiations are underway or that Nurmagomedov is close to signing with the UFC. However, it does indicate that the UFC CEO is open to the possibility of bringing the undefeated Russian into the promotion.
Nurmagomedov would immediately become one of the most intriguing additions to the UFC lightweight division if the two sides eventually reach an agreement. For now, though, the Russian fighter remains a free agent with his next destination still undecided.
