“I Want Ilia Topuria”: Manager Predicts Usman Nurmagomedov’s UFC Domination, Says Only Arman Tsarukyan Can Challenge Him
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The CEO of Dominance MMA Management made bold claims about his undefeated (22-0) client even before his UFC debut.
Ali Abdelaziz is not renowned for underestimating his fighters. And with PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, he's gone beyond the usual trash talk.
The Egyptian manager believes that Usman is capable of defeating all of the top contenders in the UFC's lightweight division. He only mentioned one fighter who could genuinely challenge the PFL champion.
Abdelaziz Wants Ilia Topuria for Usman Nurmagomedov’s UFC Debut
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin Usman is fresh off his first-round demolition of Archie Colgan at PFL New York on July 31.
With this victory, Usman completed his PFL contract and has cemented his legacy in the promotion with three defenses. Ever since then, Abdelaziz has been making claims about his UFC debut.
Now, in an interview with the Pound for Pound podcast, Abdelaziz claimed Usman can beat former champion Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett, and Charles Oliveira.
“The fight I want, if he goes to the UFC, I want Ilia Topuria, first fight. Why not? If these people want this fight to happen, we can make it happen,” he said.
Furthermore, Abdelaziz added, “Usman will knock out Dan Hooker; he'll submit him. I love Paddy Pimblett. He's a great guy, but Usman will stop him in under two rounds. I think he'll make Ilia quit.”
According to Abdelaziz, the only contender capable of challenging Usman is the No. 1 lightweight star Arman Tsarukyan.
“The only fight I can see being competitive is him and Arman. Charles Oliveira, he will make him quit. And he will absolutely demolish Max Holloway,” Abdelaziz said.
Usman Nurmagomedov’s UFC chances?
Usman Nurmagomedov's chances of entering the UFC are high, given that CEO Dana White has responded positively on the same topic during the UFC Belgrade presser.
However, Ali Abdelaziz might have talked too big about Usman. While the Dagestani prospect has proven himself in two promotions, PFL and Bellator, it might be too soon to make such huge judgments.
For years, the lightweight division has produced many vicious fighters and has been one of the most popular divisions in the UFC.
Even the current roster consists of stars who can do the expected inside the cage. Throughout history, champions from other promotions have both triumphed and faltered inside the UFC octagon. Hence, it might be a topic for when the day comes.
However, a battle between Ilia Topuria and Usman Nurmagomedov would be one for the ages, since a much-anticipated bout between Topuria and Usman's teammate, Islam Makhachev, never materialized.
