Islam Makhachev Calls For Usman Nurmagomedov’s UFC Signing

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev (29-1) is backings longtime teammate and cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov’s (22-0, 1 NC), coming to the UFC.

Nurmagomedov completed the final fight of his PFL contract with a first round stoppage win over Archie Colgan in July, and reportedly turned down a $2 million offer to re-sign with the promotion. He is currently in a 90-day exclusive negotiating period with PFL before he can freely negotiate with other promotions starting at the end of October.
Asked about the chances of Nurmagomedov eventually signing with the UFC, Makhachev put the odds at 90 percent.

“It’s the perfect move for him; he needs to prove he’s the best in the world. He could face a top-10 rival and soon earn a title shot. He grew up alongside Khabib and me, has trained with the best from the start of his career and has extensive experience working with champions; now is the best time for him to join the UFC,” Makhachev said.

Makhachev later said he could not give a 100 percent answer but estimated there was a 90 percent chance Nurmagomedov eventually joins the UFC.
While the PFL has not ruled out making another push to retain him, Makhachev believes a UFC move is the logical next step. Nurmagomedov remains unsigned while PFL’s exclusive negotiating period continues.

He was last seen cornering his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai.