PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov isn’t buying into the hype surrounding Ilia Topuria as the top lightweight in MMA.
Nurmagomedov has steadily built a reputation as one of the most dominant lightweights in the world. At just 26 years old, the Dagestani fighter boasts an undefeated professional record and already holds the PFL lightweight title.
The cousin of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, Usman has made his way in the sport, racking up wins across major promotions before making his mark in PFL. He holds victories over seasoned veterans and former champions, proving he is more than just a fighter riding on a famous last name. His dominance in the cage has drawn comparisons to both Khabib and Islam Makhachev, with many seeing him as the next great star to rise out of Dagestan.
Later this year, Nurmagomedov is set to defend his lightweight crown against Paul Hughes in a rematch. Their first encounter ended in a majority decision win for Usman, but he wasn’t satisfied with his performance and has promised a far more dominant showing this time around.
“After I finish this guy, I will call myself the best lightweight,” Nurmagomedov said.
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria has been crowned as the new UFC lightweight king after knocking out Charles Oliveira. That victory sparked conversations about him being the best in the world at 155 pounds, but Nurmagomedov quickly dismissed that idea.
“Come on, Ilia Topuria, how he can be lightweight No. 1 in the world? He cannot be,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Fighting. “He did only one fight. I have 19 fights in lightweight [division]. I beat former champions. I beat champions. I think my resume is better than him. How many fights does he have? 14? I have 14 finishes in my career.”
For Nurmagomedov, the true lightweight king is still Islam Makhachev, who remains his training partner and close friend. Usman has always credited Makhachev as the top fighter in the division and plans to step into that role only once his teammate officially leaves 155 pounds.
“I don’t want to put myself [at top] in lightweight because Islam is still in lightweight,” Nurmagomedov said. “He’s not moving. After he [moves], then we’ll see.”
Makhachev’s move is already in motion, as he prepares to face UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena in a superfight. Nurmagomedov believes Makhachev has the skills and mentality to dominate even in a higher weight class.
“I think he’s going to be champion in welterweight,” Nurmagomedov said. “Because he has everything. His skills, I think is better than Maddalena because Maddalena has only boxing. But Islam, if he takes you down, he’s going to hold you the whole round… When Islam holds you, it’s done. We’ll see. Of course, it’s not going to be easy for Islam. Because this is a different weight but mentally, Islam is a very strong guy.”
Nurmagomedov continues to train out of American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) and under the guidance of his family, carrying on the legacy of Dagestan’s dominance in mixed martial arts. With his undefeated record, PFL success, and growing star power, many believe it’s only a matter of time before he crosses over to the UFC to test himself against fighters like Topuria.
For now, though, his mission is clear, defend his title, silence Paul Hughes, and solidify his claim as the best lightweight in the world.
As for Ilia Topuria, his next steps in the UFC will be critical in proving whether he truly belongs at the top of the lightweight division. Having already made history by becoming a two-division champion, Topuria now faces the pressure of defending his new title against a stacked lineup of contenders. Names like Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and even a returning Dustin Poirier are all waiting for their shot.
If Nurmagomedov can successfully defend his belt against elite opposition, Topuria could cement himself as a legitimate pound-for-pound star. Until then, fighters like Usman Nurmagomedov will continue to question his claim to the throne.
