One of the most promising fighters outside the UFC could become a free agent at the end of next year.
Lightweight Division Heats Up Early in 2026
The UFC will kick off 2026 with a major lightweight showdown as Justin Gaethje faces Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. The fighters will compete for an interim title while champion Ilia Topuria remains inactive. The Octagon will host this high-stakes clash, but the lightweight scene will not be limited to the UFC.
PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov will also return for his first title defense after claiming the inaugural championship in October. After defeating Paul Hughes for the second time, Nurmagomedov will meet Alfie Davis at a PFL event in Dubai on February 7. Fans and analysts have debated how the Dagestani star would perform against top UFC lightweights, and the promotion could soon tempt another Nurmagomedov to join its roster.
Usman Nurmagomedov’s Contract and Future
Nurmagomedov still has two fights left on his PFL contract. While Islam Makhachev dominated as UFC lightweight champion, coach Javier Mendez and others in the Dagestani’s camp repeatedly identified Usman as a potential future champion. The year 2026 could open the door for UFC President Dana White and his team to recruit Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin.
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Nurmagomedov confirmed he has two fights remaining and expects contract renewal discussions to begin before his bout with Davis. “I know it’s going to be only two fights, beginning and end of the year,” he said. “I have on the contract two more fights, and after this fight against Davis, we’ll discuss the future and see their interest in me. For me, everything in PFL is good. I’m champion, and the organization has many contenders who can grow there. PFL is good. You can make history here too. The question is what they’re going to offer me. We’ll see.”
Nurmagomedov remains satisfied in his current promotion but stressed he will rely on his management team’s guidance for future decisions.
UFC Must Match Pay to Attract Nurmagomedov
Dominance MMA CEO Ali Abdelaziz clarified that any UFC move requires a critical condition: the promotion must match Nurmagomedov’s current PFL salary. He emphasized that the fighter will not accept a pay cut under any circumstances, just as Kayla Harrison did when moving promotions.
Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie, “He earns a lot in PFL, they treat him well, and he is financially secure. At the end of the day, it’s a business. Once his contract ends, we will sit down with the UFC. For Usman to join, everyone has to be happy. The PFL must be satisfied, and he must be paid. He will not take a pay cut to join the UFC. Kayla didn’t either.”
If Nurmagomedov does make the move, Abdelaziz has no doubts about his potential success. “You’re going to see another Nurmagomedov become a champion,” he said confidently.
