Usman Nurmagomedov wanted to stay in PFL before testing free agency, but it didn’t work out that way if Ali Abdelaziz is to be believed.
The last bout on Nurmagomedov’s PFL deal took place on July 31. It was PFL’s first show since the announcement of a merger with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Nurmagomedov defended the lightweight championship against Archie Colgan in the PFL New York headliner. The undefeated star scored a first-round knockout over Colgan, who was also unbeaten going into the title fight.
Mike Bohn of MMAJunkie got a chance to speak to Abdelaziz, who serves as Nurmagomedov’s manager. Abdelaziz claimed that he presented the PFL brass with a number to retain his fighter beyond the end of July, but the two sides couldn’t reach a deal.
“Listen, the truth of the matter is PFL had an opportunity to sign him before the fight,” Abdelaziz said. “And you know how much I love PFL – especially Mike Kogan is a friend of mine. He does a lot for the sport, and he gives so many opportunities. And I like the new guy, John (Martin). I like him. He seems like a good guy. He understands television. They’re great people. PFL always give an opportunity for people, and they don’t get enough credit.
“I put a number. It was a number on the table for them for Usman to extend the contract, but the number I thought was a fair number, and they choose not to. Usman took a risk. He could have went out there and lost. Archie could have beat him. He took a risk. He gambled on himself, and he won.”
UFC CEO Dana White recently spoke to reporters and was asked whether or not he plans to sign Nurmagomedov following PFL New York. The UFC boss smiled and said “sure.” While some believe Nurmagomedov is UFC bound now that Islam Makhachev rules the roost at 170 pounds, there might be a significant offer on the table amid the PFL-MVP merger.
Do you think Usman Nurmagomedov will ultimately sign with UFC, or will he help usher in the new MVP MMA era? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
