Islam Makhachev: Usman Nurmagomedov UFC ready but should take time
· Yahoo Sports
Islam Makhachev thinks it's a matter of time before Usman Nurmagomedov makes the UFC jump.
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PFL lightweight champion Nurmagomedov (21-0) has one fight left on his contract, and is expected to be a free agent by the end of the year. His older brother Umar Nurmagomedov competed for PFL just twice before signing with the UFC in 2021.
Nurmagomedov is fresh off a title defense against Alfie Davis at PFL: Road to Dubai earlier this month, where he submitted the lightweight tournament winner in the third round. Makhachev is confident that his training partner would make waves in the UFC's lightweight division.
"Honestly, I don't think Usman is any worse than anyone (in the UFC)," Makhachev said in a translated interview with Ushatayka (h/t Red Corner MMA). "He would give very hard rounds to any of them. We've been training together for so many years, and I know his true potential. He's still young and has plenty of time ahead of him. If you ask me, I think he is ready, but let him take his time. As long as his contract expires within a year, it will be the perfect time (to move to the UFC)."
Nurmagomedov has finished 15 of his 21 professional wins. Prior to choking out Davis, the 27-year-old scored back-to-back wins over Paul Hughes in title fights.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Islam Makhachev on 'perfect time' for Usman Nurmagomedov to join UFC