Islam Makhachev isn’t convinced the UFC will open the chequebook to lure the PFL lightweight champion over to the Octagon.
Usman Nurmagomedov has built a strong reputation as one of the top fighters outside of the UFC, and there’s been consistent talk about him making the jump across.
Makhachev himself is a driving force behind that. Even during his time as champion, he and his team often looked at Nurmagomedov as a natural successor, even before he started chasing down gold in another promotion.
That move could be getting closer. Nurmagomedov’s deal with PFL is nearly up, putting a UFC move on the table. But Makhachev isn’t holding out hope that Dana White and co will meet what’s expected to be a hefty asking price.
Nurmagomedov is set to face Archie Colgan in New York on July 31. This will be his second defence of the PFL lightweight title, having already secured a submission win over Alfie Davis back in February.
PFL pay comparison
Once that fight is out of the way, Nurmagomedov will hit free agency, and there’s a lot of talk about whether the UFC will make a serious play to sign him. But Makhachev doesn’t seem convinced that the UFC will come close to matching what he’s earning in PFL.
“Looking at the opponents, I’d say Usman should make the move (to the UFC),” Makhachev told Adam Zubayraev. To fully realise his potential, he needs tougher opponents. They push you to grow. I think Usman still has room to improve.”
“I don’t know, you have to weigh it (up),” he continued. “In PFL, they pay much more. The UFC doesn’t like paying that much. If Usman signs, I think (he will get) half the purse he gets in PFL. The UFC won’t pay that.”
“I think there’s still time. If he works out one more (PFL) contract, three fights, he won’t be late for anything. Let the UFC make him an offer he can’t refuse. But if they offer a small purse, what’s the point?”
PFL CEO John Martin has said publicly that while they want Nurmagomedov to stay put and are prepared for any eventual decision from him.
“For Nurmagomedov, his legacy is clear,” Martin told Home of Fight. “This is his last fight under the agreement, we haven’t really engaged in any discussions with him yet.”
“We’d like to see and get through the fight to see what he wants to do. He’s a great part of the PFL, we love having him here, and if it makes sense for us to do it, we’d love to have him stay. We just have to wait and see what happens.”
“If he really wants to go off and go somewhere else, then we’ll have to deal with that,” he continued. “In our job and our position, there’s something the UFC has done really well over the years which is that the brand really has to be first and foremost.”
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