Usman Nurmagomedov is the hottest free agent in combat sports currently and his longtime teammate believes it’s time that he finally joins the UFC roster.
Islam Makhachev, who has counted Nurmagomedov as a friend and training partner since they were kids, wants to see him in the UFC where he has a great chance at becoming lightweight champion. In the past, Nurmagomedov openly admitted he didn’t want join the UFC roster with Makhachev still ruling over the 155-pound division but that’s no longer an issue.
Makhachev now holds the title at welterweight, which clears the way for Nurmagomedov to sign with the UFC and immediately go after gold.
“Usman is training with us when he was a very young guy,” Makhachev said during UFC 330 media day. “He’s training with Khabib [Nurmagomedov], myself, all of our teammates his whole life. I know 100% he’s ready to fight for the title tomorrow or the contender match tomorrow.
“Because he’s a good wrestler, a very good striker, he has good grappling. I think my opinion, Usman did his job great in PFL and he’s ready to show a good performance in the UFC.”
As of now, Nurmagomedov still hasn’t decided on his next move after he completed his most recent PFL contract with a stunning first-round knockout over previously undefeated challenger Archie Colgan.
Nurmagomedov now boasts a perfect 22-0 record with one no contest and at 28 years old, he’s arguably just now entering the prime of his career.
While Nurmagomedov has stated that legacy and money are the two driving factors leading his decision about where he signs next, Makhachev believes the lure of joining the UFC is just too strong.
Add to that, Makhachev knows Nurmagomedov is equipped to deal with the best of the best in the lightweight division right away. In a perfect world, Makhachev would like to see Nurmagomedov make his debut against a top contender, get a win and then challenge for the UFC lightweight title.
“Maybe Arman [Tsarukyan] or Max [Holloway],” Makhachev said about Nurmagomedov’s first opponent in the UFC. “I don’t know. I agree with you, he has to fight one time because this is one of the big divisions in the UFC and coming from [outside the promotion] and fight for the title, I think it’s possible.
“But I think he has to come feel this atmosphere, all the media, and fight for the title next. Just one fight and then one for the title.”