White Says UFC Will Talk to Usman Nurmagomedov After PFL Deal

Dana White says the UFC will start talking to Usman Nurmagomedov as soon as the undefeated lightweight is free to negotiate. White made the comment to reporters after UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.

"I don't know where he is on his contract situation," White said. "When his contract is up and he can negotiate, we'll start talking to him."

White made clear the UFC is prepared to explore a deal. Nurmagomedov is regarded as one of the top fighters outside the promotion, and the comments sparked fresh speculation about a move to the sport's biggest stage.

Nothing is confirmed. White's words do not mean negotiations have begun or that Nurmagomedov will sign with the promotion.

Where the contract stands

Nurmagomedov wrapped up his PFL contract with a win over Archie Colgan in July 2026. Reports say a 90-day exclusive negotiating period still gives the PFL a chance to keep him before he can freely listen to offers from other organizations. His destination is undecided.

He is 28 years old and holds the PFL lightweight title. He won the Bellator lightweight championship in 2022, then took the PFL belt after the promotion absorbed Bellator. In February 2026 he defended it by submitting Alfie Davis in the third round at PFL Dubai.

Nurmagomedov has been open about how he sees himself. "By my side, my opinion, I'm the best lightweight in the world right now," he told MMA Fighting earlier this year.

A UFC debut would put him in a lightweight division full of top contenders. The family name is already known there: his brother Umar fights in the UFC, and his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov is a former champion.

Source: MMA Sucka