Sean O’Malley Welcomes Team Khabib’s Usman Nurmagomedov to Raise Competition in UFC Lightweight Division

After their controversial rematch, Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes find support from Sean O'Malley for potential UFC debuts.

Sean O’Malley Welcomes Team Khabib’s Usman Nurmagomedov to Raise Competition in UFC Lightweight Division

Sean O'Malley wants to see Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes in the UFC (via Newsweek, CBS Sports)

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The UFC lightweight division continues to attract attention as fans and fighters speculate about potential new additions who could shake up the hierarchy. Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley recently expressed interest in seeing PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, who is also the cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, to raise the competition in the UFC.

Usman Nurmagomedov has remained undefeated and is widely regarded as one of the best lightweights outside the UFC. His skill set have made him a standout performer during his run in the now-dissolved promotion, Bellator. He has dominated nearly every opponent he has faced and recently won the inaugural PFL lightweight championship against Paul Hughes in their much-anticipated rematch.

Hughes and Nurmagomedov have been mentioned in talks to enter the UFC. However, their potential arrival could add further depth to an already stacked lightweight division. O’Malley recently spoke about a possible move for the two PFL lightweight stars and a potential matchup with UFC lightweight kingpin Ilia Topuria on the BrO Malley Show that he hosts on YouTube.

Those guys are both so high-level. I’d love to see them come to the UFC and fight guys like Ilia or just the top of the top at 155.

Sean O’Malley via BrO Malley Show

If both Nurmagomedov and Hughes were to sign with the UFC, the lightweight division could see intriguing matchups with elite fighters such as Arman Tsarukyan, Dan Hooker, and Charles Oliveira. The influx of new contenders could also bring fresh challenges and stylistic diversity to a weight class already considered one of the most competitive in the MMA world.

Hughes, meanwhile, has been on a substantial rise through the European circuit, showcasing well-rounded skills and consistent finishing ability. He was also involved in an online beef with fellow Irishman and UFC superstar Conor McGregor after he questioned his Irish heritage. With wins over Fabiano Silva, Bobby King, and Jordan Vucenic, Hughes has cemented himself as a popular contender in the PFL.

As one of the UFC’s most marketable champions, Sean O’Malley’s endorsement of these potential signings highlights how highly respected Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes are among their peers. His comments reflect a broader interest within the sport in seeing top fighters from other promotions compete against UFC talent to provide a better show for the fans.

Fans react to Sean O’Malley wanting Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes to move to the UFC

The idea of Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes joining the UFC, as suggested by Sean O’Malley, has stirred excitement across social media. Many fans view the potential move as an opportunity to witness two of the most skilled lightweights outside the promotion test themselves against the UFC’s elite. The thought of fresh matchups and new stylistic clashes has generated anticipation among fans.

Sean O'Malley
Sean O’Malley (via MMA Fighting)

However, some fans have expressed cautious optimism, pointing to the steep level of competition that both fighters would face in the UFC. Discussions online reflect curiosity about whether Nurmagomedov’s dominant Bellator performances and Hughes’ Cage Warriors success would translate effectively against top lightweight contenders. Here are some fan reactions to Sean O’Malley’s ideas:

Despite the excitement, a few fans have noted that both fighters’ recent performances, particularly their rematch, which ended in a controversial decision, have created some uncertainty about how they might fare at the highest level. The debate highlights the acceptable margins that separate dominance in other promotions from success in the UFC.

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