Cejudo On PFL's Survival Without Nurmagomedov

Henry Cejudo believes the PFL faces an existential threat if they lose Usman Nurmagomedov in free agency.

Nurmagomedov's contract expired after his first-round knockout of Archie Colgan at PFL New York in July, per MMA Fighting, making the undefeated Dagestani lightweight one of the sport's hottest free agents. Cejudo told the Pound-4-Pound podcast that Nurmagomedov reportedly turned down a two million dollar per fight offer from PFL and now stands to command anywhere from three to four million per bout from either the UFC or MVP.

Cejudo Predicts Career Fork For Nurmagomedov

The former two-division UFC champion, who shares management with Nurmagomedov at Dominance MMA, outlined two paths for the 29-4 lightweight. Nurmagomedov could take less money from the UFC in exchange for an immediate title shot, or sign a long-term deal with MVP and secure generational wealth. "I sign a seven-fight deal with MVP and just set yourself up for the rest of your life," Cejudo said on the podcast. "That is a lot of money. Especially in Dagestan."

Cejudo warned that losing Nurmagomedov would be catastrophic for the PFL. "He leaves the PFL tomorrow, the PFL is finished," he said. "Straight up." Cejudo rates Nurmagomedov as a top-three lightweight globally and sees him as the toughest matchup for Justin Gaethje, noting the Dagestani's size advantage over shorter contenders like Ilia Topuria.

Nurmagomedov's UFC prospects were clouded last weekend when he rushed the cage at UFC Shanghai after Song Yadong knocked out his brother, nearly sparking an altercation with Song. No announcement on Nurmagomedov's next move has been made.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Morning Report | Henry Cejudo: ‘The PFL is finished’ if they don’t re-sign Usman Nurmagomedov