UFC Lightweight Division Put on Blast by Free Agent Usman Nurmagomedov After Rejecting Million-Dollar Contract

PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov is one of the most popular free agents but has turned down a huge offer recently.

UFC Lightweight Division Put on Blast by Free Agent Usman Nurmagomedov After Rejecting Million-Dollar Contract

Usman Nurmagomedov goes off on the UFC lightweight division (via MMA Fighting, X)

Usman Nurmagomedov remains one of MMA’s top free agents after his PFL contract ended at PFL New York. The Dagestani star knocked out Archie Colgan in the first round, securing his second PFL lightweight title defense. His contract ending after the victory has increased talks of a potential move to the UFC.

After the fight, Nurmagomedov indicated that the best financial offer could influence his next move. His manager Ali Abdelaziz has since revealed they are considering every available offer. However, there has been no major development yet, with the PFL champion’s next destination still undecided.

Nurmagomedov has now revealed that he rejected a $2 million-per-fight offer from the PFL. The undefeated star has consistently expressed confidence in overpowering the UFC’s current lightweights. He recently dismissed questions about the talent gap between promotions by targeting several fighters inside the UFC lightweight top 10.

Just look at these guys in the UFC who are sitting in the top 10. They just keep fighting each other and staying in the top 10. That’s it. Chandler is in the top 15. Pimblett lost to a 37 year old veteran. Topuria who was praising himself – lost, sat down on his stool and said ‘I’m not continuing’. Arman lost to Gamrot and Islam. He sits around waiting, fights once a year and says he’s the best fighter in the world. While he’s had two fights, I made four title defenses.

Usman Nurmagomedov via Sport 24

Nurmagomedov and others across MMA have recently taken aim at Ilia Topuria following his UFC Freedom 250 defeat. The Spaniard entered his second lightweight title defense with major confidence against Justin Gaethje. However, Gaethje dominated the fight and forced Topuria’s corner to stop it after the fourth round.

Paddy Pimblett’s rise in the 155-pound division was halted when Gaethje handed him a unanimous decision loss at UFC 324. The defeat came in their interim title matchup after Pimblett had built significant momentum. However, the Liverpudlian quickly bounced back with a 52-second submission win over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329.

Michael Chandler’s UFC decline has continued, with the veteran now holding a 2-6 record inside the Octagon. His fourth straight UFC loss came against Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Freedom 250. Ruffy stopped Chandler by first-round TKO, dropping the former title challenger outside the UFC lightweight top 15.

Arman Tsarukyan has fought only twice since 2024, yet remains a leading lightweight contender. He narrowly defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 before returning at UFC Qatar in November 2025. Tsarukyan submitted Dan Hooker, strengthening his case as a title frontrunner and one of the division’s most dominant fighters.

Usman Nurmagomedov believes Quillan Salkilld is the only lightweight who currently impresses him. The 26 year old Australian recently submitted Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Vegas 120, further elevating his standing. However, the Dagestani PFL champion sees no threat in the 155 pound division if he potentially ends up making his UFC debut.

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Usman Nurmagomedov first faced Paul Hughes at PFL Dubai in January 2025 for the lightweight championship. Nurmagomedov used kicks, jabs, and wrestling, while Hughes defended takedowns and attacked the body. The five-round battle ended with Nurmagomedov retaining his PFL lightweight title by majority decision.

The rematch took place in October 2025, at PFL Dubai, with the inaugural PFL lightweight world title at stake. The Dagestani controlled the grappling early, while Hughes found success with his boxing and forward pressure. Nurmagomedov secured a more convincing decision, winning unanimously 50-45, 49-46, and 48-47.

Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes
Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes (via DAZN)

Hughes has recently pushed back against the narrative surrounding his two losses to Nurmagomedov and called for a third meeting.

The Irishman has also remained confident in Nurmagomedov’s abilities despite his defeats. Hughes believes his former rival would dominate if he eventually makes the move to the UFC.

I think the only person in the UFC right now who has a chance against [Usman Nurmagomedov] is Ilia Topuria. I’ve been in 10 rounds with him. I know his capabilities, and I know the style required to beat him. The only people in the world who can beat him are myself and Ilia. He beats Gaethje, absolutely, no problem at all. He could definitely be the champion of the UFC right now.

Paul Hughes via The Ariel Helwani Show

Ilia Topuria is currently recovering from his UFC Freedom 250 loss and received a 180-day medical suspension. A fight against Usman Nurmagomedov could help ‘El Matador’ rebuild his credibility. It would also test Paul Hughes’ prediction about the Dagestani phenom’s UFC success.

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