Paul Hughes names two UFC lightweights he believes could beat Usman Nurmagomedov

Usman Nurmagomedov is now the biggest free agent in MMA. He completed his contract with PFL on July 31 when he defended his lightweight title with a spectacular first-round knockout over Archie Colgan. 

Since then, speculation has intensified about his next move. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, revealed that the PFL had an opportunity to re-sign the Dagestani star but declined the offer. Now, UFC CEO Dana White has shown strong interest in signing the PFL lightweight champion.

Fans and pundits are so sure that Nurmagomedov will sign with the UFC that they have already started throwing out names of potential opponents he could face in the promotion and who could pose a threat to him. Paul Hughes, who has shared the cage with the Dagestani on two occasions, has named two UFC lightweights who could be dangerous for the 28-year-old.

Paul Hughes Identifies Two Potential Threats to Nurmagomedov

Hughes has faced Nurmagomedov twice and lost both bouts by decision. Despite their rivalry, he believes there aren't many fighters in the UFC's top 15 who could pose a problem for the Dagestani star. He suggested that only certain stylistic matchups could give the undefeated fighter significant trouble.

“I knew he’d win. Different level in Colgan,” Hughes said on X. “In fact, different level than most lightweights in the world, to be honest. Obviously, a lot of questions where his future lies. If it’s the UFC, I don’t think anyone gives him many problems in the top 15 other than certain stylistic matches.” 

Hughes went on to name former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and former featherweight and BMF champion Max Holloway as the two fighters he believes could trouble Nurmagomedov.

“ Topuria, Holloway, you know, that’s the only type of style that I believe that can beat him right now.” Hughes continued. 

Topuria and Holloway are considered among the best boxers in the UFC, and with Nurmagomedov being a great striker himself, a fight against either former UFC champion would be guaranteed to entertain fans.

Paul Hughes Eyes Trilogy Fight With Nurmagomedov if He Stays with PFL 

Hughes, who is also a great striker, gave Nurmagomedov trouble in their first showdown, with the Dagestani star managing to secure a majority decision victory. The result became a topic of debate, with many believing the Irishman won the fight.

In the aforementioned video, Hughes expressed his interest in facing Nurmagomedov for a third time if he re-signs with the PFL and made it clear that he believes he won their first fight.

“If he sticks around in PFL, obviously we have a lot of history there. I think the MMA worlds in agreement that we’re one each right now.” Hughes said. 

Nurmagomedov silenced the critics with a comfortable unanimous decision victory over Hughes in their rematch. 

He is currently undefeated with a record of 22 wins and is also a cousin of UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov, which brings extra attention to his next move.

While the promotion could still re-sign its lightweight champion, a move to the UFC would give him the opportunity to test himself against a new crop of elite lightweights.