(Video) Dana White Smiles Uncontrollably After Usman Nurmagomedov Free Agency Question Gets Asked

UFC CEO Dana White has a hilarious reaction to question about PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov entering free agency.

(Video) Dana White Smiles Uncontrollably After Usman Nurmagomedov Free Agency Question Gets Asked

Dana White optimistic about signing Usman Nurmagomedov (via Instagram, Forbes)

Dana White has always pursued the biggest names in combat sports, aiming to bring elite talent to the UFC. From Brock Lesnar to Gable Steveson, White has made the promotion a top destination for major athletes. As such, White was recently asked about the possibility of signing red-hot free agent Usman Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov became Bellator lightweight champion after defeating Patricky Pitbull at Bellator 288 in November 2022. Bellator was later dissolved after PFL acquired the promotion in 2023. The Dagestani superstar continued his run by winning the PFL lightweight title after defeating Paul Hughes in January 2025.

At PFL New York, Nurmagomedov knocked out Archie Colgan to defend his lightweight title for the second time. After the victory, he appeared to hint at a future UFC move during his post-fight interview. Hours later at UFC Belgrade, White smiled when asked about potentially signing the unbeaten Dagestani champion.

Following his PFL New York victory, Nurmagomedov hinted that financial opportunities would heavily influence his next move, keeping the door open for a potential UFC debut. Meanwhile, Jake Paul, whose MVP recently merged with the PFL, appeared stunned after Nurmagomedov publicly prioritized the best offer.

Nurmagomedov’s potential UFC arrival has also fueled discussion about the promotion’s long-term lightweight picture. With Islam Makhachev now competing at welterweight and expected to retire in the coming years, the unbeaten 28-year-old has been viewed as a possible future successor in the division.

White has previously expressed interest in signing Nurmagomedov if the opportunity arose. He has also maintained that the UFC remains MMA’s highest level. With Nurmagomedov now a free agent, White could finally add another member of the legendary Dagestani training system to the UFC roster.

The PFL lightweight champion has repeatedly called out several UFC stars during his unbeaten run. Nurmagomedov has particularly targeted former UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, claiming his achievements at 155 pounds are superior. A UFC move could finally test those claims in the Octagon.

Dana White’s smile during the UFC Belgrade media scrum has fueled speculation about Usman Nurmagomedov’s future. With PFL New York marking the final fight of his PFL contract, the UFC could already be exploring a deal. If an agreement is reached, one of MMA’s most popular stars may soon enter the Octagon.

RELATED
Khabib Nurmagomedov Boldly Claims Cousin Usman Better Than Superstar Ilia Topuria

Dana White reacts to the recent merger between PFL and Most Valuable Promotions

Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions recently merged with the PFL to create a unified combat sports platform. The agreement combines MVP’s boxing business with the PFL’s MMA operations while expanding both brands’ global reach. The merger also gives MVP a larger role in future MMA events.

Dana White has consistently maintained that the UFC remains the highest level of MMA competition. The UFC CEO has often dismissed comparisons with the PFL, believing his promotion operates at a different standard globally. White has continued to emphasize the UFC’s position as the sport’s leading organization.

Dana White makes hilarious mistake at UFC Freedom 250 conference
Dana White makes a hilarious mistake at UFC Freedom 250 event (via MMA Fighting)

White and Paul have frequently clashed over UFC fighter pay and compensation. Both have taken shots at each other over their opposing views on MMA’s business model and fighter earnings. The UFC boss recently responded to the PFL-MVP merger while continuing to dismiss comparisons between the organizations.

I don’t know anything about what they’re doing. It probably makes sense. When stuff isn’t working for anybody, we should probably get together. Let’s take two organizations that don’t sell tickets and nobody watches and let’s merge them together and make a bigger company that won’t sell tickets to and that nobody will watch. We’re in a whole other stratosphere now. I mean, I’m competing with all the majors. Those guys aren’t my competition. So good luck to them all. I wish them all the best.

Dana White via The Mac Life

The PFL-MVP merger adds another development to combat sports, with Jake Paul expanding his promotional influence. However, Dana White remains focused on maintaining the UFC’s position as MMA’s leading organization. Their contrasting approaches continue to shape discussions around the sport’s future.

Also Read: