Current Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov has revealed the two-year plan that will see him finally sign with the UFC.
Undefeated 26-year-old, Usman Nurmagomedov is widely considered as one of the greatest lightweight fighters on the planet, despite the fact that he doesn’t fight under the UFC banner.
The Russian has been perfecting his craft in Bellator where he has reigned as their 155lb champion, beating the likes of Benson Henderson and Alexander Shabliy.
Usman Nurmagomedov reveals plan to finally sign with the UFC
Coming from such a famous fighting family, the majority of his family have fought in the UFC, with him being the odd one out. Although Bellator/PFL is continuing to grow as a competitor to the UFC, they are still a long way away from competing with the promotional powerhouse that is the UFC.
However, the 26-year-old has revealed that he has a plan that will see him finally fighting for the premier promotion within the next two years.
“I’m waiting for Islam (Makhachev) to finish his career and then I will (sign with the UFC). I think if we get it right, we’ll be fighting in the UFC at 28, I’m 26 years old right now, two years I’ll get stronger and that’s it. Go into the UFC at 28 and compete until I’m 32,” Nurmagomedov told Gorilla Energy.
Usman Nurmagomedov reveals his plans to join the UFC in 2 years 👀
“I’m waiting for Islam to finish his career and then I will. I think if we get it right, we’ll be fighting in the UFC at 28.
I’m 26 years old right now. 2 years I’ll get stronger and that’s it. Go into the UFC… pic.twitter.com/xrgQVVdlRD
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 23, 2024
The reason why the 26-year-old isn’t in the UFC at the moment is because his teammate Islam Makhachev is reigning over the lightweight division and he doesn’t want to end up in a position where he’d need to fight him.
Having said that, Makhachev has been consistently teasing a potential move up to welterweight and that could potentially leave the door open for Nurmagomedov.
Usman Nurmagomedov’s next title defense could already be set
For now, though, Nurmagomedov is still fighting in Bellator, and his next title defense could be set after a recent big result in his division.
Big Irish MMA star, Paul Hughes made his PFL debut this past weekend, defeating former champion AJ McKee via split decision. Following the fight, ‘Big News’ called for a fight against the Russian champion and could well have his wish granted.
Hughes has called upon Conor McGregor to corner him for the potential clash against Nurmagomedov, inciting potential chaos as Khabib Nurmagomedov is a permanent fixture in Usman’s corner. In typical McGregor fashion, ‘The Notorious’ told Hughes that ‘if it kicks off, I’ll be there’.
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