Islam Makhachev has put a number on one of the most-watched free agent chases in MMA. Speaking to Russian outlet Match TV, the UFC welterweight champion said there is a 90 percent chance his teammate and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin Usman signs with the promotion.

“It’s the perfect move for him; he needs to prove he’s the best in the world. He could face a top-10 rival and soon earn a title shot. He grew up alongside Khabib and me, has trained with the best from the start of his career and has extensive experience working with champions; now is the best time for him to join the UFC,” Makhachev told Match TV.

Usman Nurmagomedov walked out of the PFL as a free agent in July after knocking out Archie Colgan in the first round to defend his lightweight title. That win took his professional record to 22-0 with one no contest.

PFL says the UFC ‘cannot legally’ bid yet

PFL CEO John Martin told The Ariel Helwani Show that no formal UFC offer is even possible at the moment.

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“The UFC has not given him an offer,” Martin said.

“They’re not legally allowed to.”

Martin was pointing to a 90-day exclusive negotiation window that kicked in the moment Nurmagomedov’s contract expired, during which the PFL retains sole rights to talk to him. Reports have put the promotion’s re-signing pitch at more than $2 million, a figure Nurmagomedov has so far turned down.

Makhachev: ‘ready to fight for the title tomorrow’

The Match TV interview was not the first time Makhachev has publicly pushed his teammate towards the octagon. At UFC 330 media day in August, he made a similar case for immediate title contention.

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“I know 100% he’s ready to fight for the title tomorrow or the contender match tomorrow,” Makhachev said.

Asked to name an opponent for a possible UFC debut, he suggested a fight with the likes of Arman Tsarukyan or Max Holloway, in either case putting Nurmagomedov one win away from a lightweight championship shot.

Makhachev captured the UFC welterweight title on his welterweight debut against Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025, and defended it against Ian Machado Garry via unanimous decision at UFC 330 on 15 August 2026.

Nurmagomedov’s exclusive negotiation window with the PFL is due to run through late October, after which he would be free to open talks with the UFC.

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