“Sure He Can”: Petr Yan Backs Usman Nurmagomedov to Become UFC Champion

Having been a household name since 2018, Petr Yan has seen lightweight stars up close and even trained with them. Thus, he knows the champion's mindset. 

Yan’s assessment carries weight because of his accolades in the sport. And he believes fellow Russian fighter Usman Nurmagomedov can win a UFC title. 

Petr Yan Believes Usman Nurmagomedov Can Become a UFC Champion

In an interview with Gorilla Fighting, the bantamweight kingpin was asked whether the 22-0 PFL star would face problems if he entered the UFC. 

Yan didn’t sugarcoat his answer and replied, "Of course, there will be difficulties, but I'm sure he can win the belt. I see that he's a very balanced fighter who can do everything." 

While Yan has a firm belief in Usman’s abilities, he also admitted that there will be pressure on him to prove his place. "But the pressure that Umar feels, he's also a well-balanced, versatile fighter. But it's the state when you need to show the best result. It's the same story with Usman." 

Is Usman Nurmagomedov Entering the UFC?

Not yet, but the wheels are in motion. Usman finished his PFL contract with a stunning first-round knockout win over Archie Colgan in New York. 

Ever since then, the lightweight star has entered free agency. Subsequently, talks about a transition to the UFC have been making rounds. The Russian himself expressed interest in the move if he earns more money than his previous PFL contract. 

Ali Abdelaziz, who manages both UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and Usman, has already laid out a preferred path for the Russian. 

Abdelaziz wants the UFC to put him against Gaethje for the belt straight, or a number one contender fight against Arman Tsarukyan. 

Head Coach Javier Mendez and close friend Islam Makhachev have also backed him for the title scenario in his UFC debut. Moreover, Dana White, when asked if he was interested in signing Usman, gave out a grin and said, “Sure.”

However, it is important to note that the PFL has a 90-day exclusive negotiating window following Usman’s last fight before ‌third-party involvement. 

Given the situation, it seems Usman Nurmagomedov’s move to the UFC is inevitable. Teammates are ready, the division is ready, paperwork is the only thing left.