Cormier Tells Nurmagomedov Time For Legacy Over Money

Daniel Cormier challenged Usman Nurmagomedov to join the UFC and prove himself against the promotion's best lightweights.

The former two-division champion ran into Nurmagomedov at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia following UFC 330, where the unbeaten Dagestani fighter questioned the caliber of UFC competition. Nurmagomedov called top-ranked lightweights "bums" during the exchange, per Sherdog, prompting Cormier to issue a direct challenge.

Nurmagomedov Now Free Agent After PFL Contract Ends

Nurmagomedov stopped Archie Colgan in his final contracted bout with the Professional Fighters League. The 22-0 fighter is now a free agent, though PFL retains a limited exclusive negotiation window before the UFC can make an offer amid the promotion's merger with Most Valuable Promotions.

Cormier told Nurmagomedov that financial incentives should no longer drive his decisions. "It's time for legacy. You think they're bums? Come show me," Cormier said before the two shook hands, according to the report.

Nurmagomedov could follow fellow Dagestanis Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev in pursuing UFC lightweight gold if he signs with the promotion. PFL is expected to present a lucrative new contract during its exclusive window.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Daniel Cormier tells Usman Nurmagomedov it's ‘time for legacy’