At the end of the year, one of the most popular names outside of UFC may be a free-agent.
The focus of the lightweight division at the start of 2026 will be Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, as the pair duke it out for an interim title in champion Ilia Topuria’s absence.
But it won’t only be the Octagon hosting title fights at 155 pounds early next year, as PFL lightweight king Usman Nurmagomedov also returns for his first defense, having become the inaugural champ this past October.
Nurmagomedov will now face Alfie Davies at the PFL event on 7th February in Dubai, after he defeated Paul Hughes a second-time.
Much has been made of how the Dagestani would fare against the top lightweight names in the UFC, and it may not be long until MMA’s leading promotion has the chance to entice another Nurmagomedov into entering the Octagon.
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How would PFL lightweight Usman Nurmagomedov compare to UFC lightweight Ilia Topuria?
Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks about Usman Nurmagomedov, Ilia topuria. Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC & Cooper Neill via Getty Images
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Usman Nurmagomedov’s PFL contract has two more fights for him
While Islam Makhachev held the UFC lightweight crown, coach Javier Mendez and others in the Dagestani’s team pointed to Usman Nurmagomedov as someone who would go on to occupy the same throne.
Dana White, Dana White and Co. could still be able to work together in 2026 ….
2025-12-12 04:00:00
