Free Agent Usman Nurmagomedov Calls Arman Tsarukyan a Big Money Fight for UFC Debut
The undefeated PFL lightweight champion is targeting a blockbuster UFC debut against Arman Tsarukyan.
Usman Nurmagomedov is a free agent and he has his eyes on the UFC. The undefeated former PFL lightweight champion wants Arman Tsarukyan as his first opponent, calling it the biggest money fight available at 155 pounds.
"In terms of headlines and as a money fight, Usman Nurmagomedov against any UFC fighter is a good one," Nurmagomedov said, per LowKick MMA. "And against Arman... it is a big money fight."
The matchup would pit two of the best lightweights outside the current UFC title picture against each other. Tsarukyan is coming off a first-round knockout of Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 that impressed Dana White. He is expected to challenge UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje for the belt next year.
Nurmagomedov leaving the PFL would be a significant blow to the promotion and a coup for the UFC. He dominated the PFL lightweight division and carries the Nurmagomedov name, which still moves the needle in MMA. His skillset, built on suffocating grappling and sharp striking, would translate immediately to the UFC.
No deal has been announced. But Nurmagomedov positioning himself for a marquee debut opponent suggests negotiations are progressing.
This is the best free agent signing the UFC can make right now. Usman Nurmagomedov is undefeated, he finishes people, and his last name alone sells pay-per-views. The PFL could not build a stage big enough for him. The UFC can.
Tsarukyan as a debut opponent is smart and ambitious. Both guys are elite on the ground and dangerous on the feet. That fight has potential to be one of the best lightweight bouts of the year regardless of when it happens.
The timing works too. Gaethje and Tsarukyan are on a collision course for the title, but that fight probably does not happen until spring. Nurmagomedov vs Tsarukyan in January or February would be a perfect eliminator. Winner gets next. Sign it.
https://www.lowkickmma.com/usman-nurmagomedov-targets-ufc-money-fight-against-arman-tsarukyan/
