Usman Nurmagomedov eyes Arman Tsarukyan clash, feels he's a money fight against any UFC fighter

Usman Nurmagomedov has suggested that any UFC fight involving him is likely to be a financial success.

Additionally, the reigning PFL lightweight titleholder appears to believe that a fight between himself and UFC superstar Arman Tsarukyan would fetch significant revenues. 

Usman Nurmagomedov jibes at UFC lightweight contenders, alludes to his respect for Arman Tsarukyan's skills

During a recent conversation with Kamil Gadzhiev, Usman Nurmagomedov addressed the speculation surrounding his potential signing with the UFC. His final PFL fight transpired on July 31, marking the end of his contract with the PFL MMA organization, but he's still in the 90-day exclusive negotiation period with them. 

The consensus is that he's likely to sign with the UFC after the aforementioned period ends. Nevertheless, some skeptics argue that he'll re-sign with the PFL, which is soon-to-be MVP MMA after the recent PFL-MVP merger. 

Nurmagomedov was asked about whether he feels the UFC would match him up against Arman Tsarukyan in a number-one contender's fight. Alternatively, if Tsarukyan were to be booked against and dethrone UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, or if Gaethje vacates the title and retires, Nurmagomedov could face Tsarukyan for the title in his UFC debut. 

The Dagestani fighter responded by stating, "They (UFC) could. Why? Because who would you match up Arman (Tsarukyan) against? Who is there for Arman in the UFC? Pimblett? No. Topuria? No." 

Nurmagomedov suggested that neither Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett nor Ilia Topuria would be intriguing opponents for Tsarukyan. He insinuated that Pimblett and Topuria are both unlikely to defeat Tsarukyan. 

Usman Nurmagomedov views himself as a money fight against any UFC fighter, feels his possible fight with Arman Tsarukyan would be lucrative

The PFL lightweight champion indicated that if the UFC believed that Ilia Topuria had even a "30 percent" chance to defeat Tsarukyan, they'd have matched them up against each other a long time ago.

Nurmagomedov implied that the UFC organization views Topuria and Pimblett as major stars and box office draws for it, so they wouldn't want to risk making them fight opponents they're likely to lose against. 

The 28-year-old said, "Pimblett is their favorite and a fan favorite, too, although he got his face messed up by Gaethje not too long ago. In terms of headlines and as a money fight, Usman Nurmagomedov against any UFC fighter is a good one... And against Arman (Tsarukyan), it's a big-money fight." 

Presently, the consensus is that UFC lightweight champ Justin Gaethje is likely to put his title on the line against Arman Tsarukyan, likely sometime in early 2027. 

Watch Usman Nurmagomedov discuss possibly lucrative fights with Arman Tsarukyan and others in the UFC below (*Translation courtesy: Red Corner MMA): 

Usman Nurmagomedov says Arman Tsarukyan would be a BIG money fight in the UFC 💰 “In terms of headlines and as a money fight, Usman Nurmagomedov against any UFC fighter is a good one. And against Arman… it’s a big money fight.” Via @kamilgadzhiev https://t.co/K84p47m5nv

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 2, 2026