Makhachev On Nurmagomedov's PFL Exit

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev says his teammate Usman Nurmagomedov will almost certainly leave the Professional Fighters League for the UFC.

Nurmagomedov, who holds the PFL lightweight title, became a free agent after his contract expired following a win over Archie Colgan earlier this year. The promotion reportedly offered him $2 million to stay, but Nurmagomedov turned it down, according to BJPenn.com.

Makhachev Puts Odds at 90 Percent

Asked about the chances of Nurmagomedov joining the UFC, Makhachev told Match TV he saw a 90 percent likelihood. "It's the perfect move for him; he needs to prove he's the best in the world," Makhachev said, per Bloody Elbow. "He could face a top-10 rival and soon earn a title shot."

Makhachev added that Nurmagomedov trained alongside him and Khabib Nurmagomedov from the start of his career and worked with champions throughout, making now the ideal time to move to the UFC.

Usman Nurmagomedov is the cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib. He worked Umar Nurmagomedov's corner at UFC Shanghai last month.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Usman Nurmagomedov’s PFL future shut down by Islam Makhachev as he teases likely UFC signing