Islam Makhachev has made the case plainly, he believes Usman Nurmagomedov ought to go away the PFL and check himself within the UFC, even when that transfer cuts his payday in half. The remark lands at a key level in Usman’s profession, with the unbeaten PFL light-weight champion nearing the top of his present deal and weighing whether or not cash or competitors ought to drive his subsequent step.
Islam Makhachev says UFC received’t match PFL pay for Usman Nurmagomedov
Makhachev stated Usman ought to transfer as a result of the UFC presents stronger opposition, and he framed that soar as the trail for Usman to “totally notice his potential.” He additionally stated the monetary aspect could possibly be a severe impediment, including that the UFC “doesn’t like paying that a lot” and that Nurmagomedov might make about half of what he earns within the PFL if he indicators there. “Within the PFL they pay way more, the UFC doesn’t like paying that a lot. If Usman indicators, I feel he will get half the purse he will get in PFL.”
Makhachev shouldn’t be pushing a easy “UFC is best” line. He’s saying the sporting upside is obvious, whereas the enterprise aspect might make the choice more durable than followers count on. For a fighter with championship standing outdoors the UFC, that trade-off is actual: extra visibility and a deeper light-weight discipline on one aspect, stronger leverage with a rival promotion on the opposite.
The timing is vital as a result of Nurmagomedov has already spoken publicly about his contract state of affairs. Forward of his February 2026 title protection, he stated he had two fights left on his deal and that future talks would rely partly on how a lot the PFL was prepared to pay. He additionally made clear that he was proud of the promotion, saying he had a very good relationship with the PFL and will nonetheless change into a star there.
Meaning Makhachev’s feedback are touchdown throughout an precise negotiation window, not within the summary. The talk round Usman shifting to the UFC has been round for some time, however contract timing now offers it weight as a result of free company is getting nearer.
Usman Nurmagomedov defended his PFL light-weight title towards Alfie Davis at PFL Dubai on February 7, 2026, and moved to 21-0 with a third-round submission win. That outcome stored him on the middle of the light-weight dialog outdoors the UFC and strengthened his bargaining place whether or not he stays or goes.
He has additionally made his personal ambition clear. Usman stated he desires to be often known as the very best light-weight on the earth, and he argued that his profession can nonetheless carry worth outdoors the UFC if he retains successful. On the similar time, even protection favorable to him has acknowledged the recurring query round his résumé: the UFC light-weight division remains to be seen because the deepest proving floor at 155 kilos.
If maximizing revenue and star remedy is the precedence, the PFL should still have the stronger hand, particularly since Usman himself has stated pay will form the subsequent spherical of talks. that is much less about fantasy matchmaking and extra about profession leverage
