Usman Nurmagomedov could become MMA’s biggest free agent soon
PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov looks set to test free agency, potentially setting himself up as one of the biggest free agents in the recent history of mixed martial arts.
In his next outing, Usman Nurmagomedov will defend his PFL lightweight championship against Archie Colgan, an undefeated talent, on July 31st. That will serve as the final fight on his current contract, opening up the door for a world of possibilities, whether it be over in the UFC, an extension with PFL, a deal with Scott Coker’s new league, or perhaps even entertaining MVP MMA.
With a name like Usman Nurmagomedov, and with a record as good as his, it’s safe to assume that most of the big names will hear him out and probably make an offer. At the end of the day, though, the decision is Nurmagomedov’s to make.
In a recent interview, Usman Nurmagomedov had the following to say about what the future holds for him as he prepares to return to the cage.
Usman Nurmagomedov on his future in mixed martial arts
“I did already 12 fights in Bellator and PFL and I’m very thankful for that,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie. “I love it. We have really good relationship with the team from PFL. I don’t know what’s going to happen next. If we talk about today, I didn’t sign nothing. I have one fight left – this fight. Then we’ll see.
“I don’t have any problem to stay with PFL. I love PFL and let’s see. Let’s see if I will show my best performance. I think a lot of people will be interested in me. First of all, it’s going to be PFL. I cannot say something now because this is Ali’s job. I think he’s going to figure it out. … I will go out and do my job and if somebody going to pay me good money, we will stay there.”
Quotes via MMA Junkie
The lightweight division has always played host to some of the very best in the sport, and while Usman still has a lot to prove before reaching that level, he definitely has the potential to go far at 155 pounds.
PFL, meanwhile, needs to seriously consider how much they want to invest into one of their star attractions as they attempt to stay relevant in their own right in the MMA space.
