5 Reasons The UFC Must Go All Out To Sign Usman Nurmagomedov

The biggest free agent in mixed martial arts isn’t a former UFC champion or a fading superstar. It’s an undefeated 28-year-old who many believe is already one of the best lightweights on the planet.

ALSO READ: Islam Makhachev Is One Win Away From Becoming The UFC GOAT.

Following another dominant title defence in the PFL, Usman Nurmagomedov has entered free agency, immediately becoming one of the most sought-after fighters in the sport. UFC CEO Dana White has publicly acknowledged the promotion’s interest, while both the UFC and PFL are expected to compete for his signature.

If the UFC wants to remain the undisputed home of the world’s best fighters, signing Usman should be a priority.

1. The Nurmagomedov Name Still Means Everything

Few surnames carry as much weight in MMA as Nurmagomedov.

Khabib retired as one of the greatest lightweights in UFC history, while Umar Nurmagomedov has also established himself as one of the UFC’s elite bantamweights.

Now imagine adding another undefeated Nurmagomedov to the roster.

The name alone generates intrigue, headlines and immediate blockbuster fights. Whether fans love the Dagestani style or desperately want to see someone beat it, they tune in every single time.

From a promotional standpoint, Usman already arrives with global recognition before even stepping inside the Octagon.

2. Completing “Father’s Plan”

This is bigger than a title.

Before his passing in 2020, legendary coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov envisioned a remarkable legacy. The dream was for Khabib Nurmagomedov to become UFC lightweight champion, followed by Islam Makhachev and then Usman Nurmagomedov. Usman recently revealed that this succession formed part of what he calls “Father’s Plan,” a legacy that remains deeply personal to the Nurmagomedov camp.

Khabib fulfilled his part.

Islam fulfilled his.

Now Usman has the opportunity to complete the story.

For the UFC, that’s not just another championship pursuit. It’s one of the most compelling narratives the sport has seen in years.

3. The UFC Needs Fresh Superstars

Every generation needs new headline attractions.

Conor McGregor has barely competed in recent years. Jon Jones has stepped away from active competition. While stars such as Ilia Topuria, Alex Pereira and Islam Makhachev continue to drive the sport forward, the UFC must keep building its next wave of global attractions.

Usman has all the ingredients.

He’s undefeated.

He’s charismatic without trying to be.

He comes from one of MMA’s most respected camps.

Most importantly, he backs up the hype every time he fights.

Javier Mendez has even described Usman as one of the most gifted athletes he has ever coached, while suggesting he belongs among the very best lightweights in the world.

4. The Lightweight Division Has Never Been More Exciting

Imagine the possibilities. Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett. Max Holloway.

Now add Usman Nurmagomedov to that list. Suddenly, one of the UFC’s strongest divisions becomes even deeper.

Mendez has already identified Topuria as the toughest stylistic challenge for Usman, while fans have spent years debating how the undefeated PFL champion would fare against the UFC’s elite.

Those are the kinds of questions only the UFC can answer.

5. The UFC Must Keep The Best Fighters In The World Under One Roof

For decades, the UFC has built its reputation around one simple message:

If you’re the best in the world, you fight in the UFC.

Many already regard Usman Nurmagomedov as the best lightweight competing outside the promotion, and some believe he belongs among the very best regardless of organisation. His recent knockout victory over Archie Colgan only strengthened that reputation and sent him into free agency at the peak of his powers.

Allowing a fighter of that calibre to remain elsewhere would leave fans wondering whether the UFC truly has every elite lightweight under one banner.

If the promotion wants to continue claiming it hosts the world’s best fighters, signing Usman isn’t just desirable.

It’s essential.

Usman Nurmagomedov isn’t simply another talented lightweight.

He’s undefeated, entering his prime, carries one of the biggest names in MMA, and could immediately become a genuine title contender in arguably the UFC’s most exciting division.

The UFC has signed plenty of elite free agents over the years.

Very few have arrived with as much momentum, intrigue and potential as Usman Nurmagomedov. If there was ever a time to go all out for a signature, this is it.