“You Think They’re Bums? Come Show Me” - Daniel Cormier Challenges Usman Nurmagomedov to Join UFC
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Daniel Cormier just put out an open challenge to Usman Nurmagomedov who called the UFC lightweights 'bums'. DC wants him to come join the UFC and prove him wrong.
The buzz surrounding Usman Nurmagomedov testing free agency has reached a fever pitch, and UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier is doing everything he can to nudge the undefeated Russian superstar toward the Octagon.
Following his dominant first-round finish over Archie Colgan at PFL New York to push his unblemished record to 22-0, Nurmagomedov wrapped up his contractual obligations with the Professional Fighters League. With the 28-year-old lightweight phenom exploring his options, and even spotted speaking with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell during UFC 330 fight week, Cormier decided to put him on the spot.
Usman Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier Meet
During a candid backstage encounter, Cormier pressed Nurmagomedov directly about when he plans to make the leap over to UFC CEO Dana White’s promotion.
"Hey, when you coming here? When you coming here?" Cormier asked.
"Where?" Nurmagomedov replied.
"UFC," Cormier said.
"For what?" Nurmagomedov fired back with a laugh.
"It's now time to stop wasting time and now become legacy," Cormier insisted.
"UFC brother lightweight is bums," Nurmagomedov retorted.
"It's time for legacy. You think they're bums? Come show me," Cormier challenged before the two sealed the exchange with a handshake.
Islam Makhachev Weighs In on the UFC Jump
Cormier is not the only American Kickboxing Academy staple sharing thoughts on Nurmagomedov’s impending career crossroad. UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has also chimed in on whether his teammate should jump into the UFC.
Makhachev acknowledged that staying put with the PFL offers massive financial security, admitting the promotion pays "good money". However, the double champ emphasized that the PFL has essentially run out of fresh matchups for Nurmagomedov. Jumping to the UFC would test him against the world's elite in the "real jungle," while also opening the door for other Team Abdulmanap stablemates to chase the PFL lightweight strap.
Still, Makhachev advised against thrusting Nurmagomedov directly into an undisputed title shot on day one. Instead, Makhachev suggested Nurmagomedov take a marquee debut against an established contender like Justin Gaethje.
"He's ready tomorrow," Makhachev stated regarding a Gaethje matchup, explaining that facing an elite veteran allows Nurmagomedov to handle the massive UFC media obligations, octagon jitters, and fight-week pressure before challenging for gold.
Whether Nurmagomedov re-signs for another lucrative PFL check or heeds Cormier's call to test the UFC lightweight waters remains to be seen. But if Cormier gets his wish, fans might soon find out if the division can handle Dagestan’s next juggernaut.
