PFL CEO Denies UFC Offer For Nurmagomedov

PFL CEO John Martin has pushed back on reports that the UFC is close to signing lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, saying the promotion has not made an offer and cannot legally do so.

Nurmagomedov, cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, defended his PFL lightweight title by knocking out Archie Colgan at PFL New York earlier this month. UFC CEO Dana White said publicly that the promotion is interested in adding him to its lightweight roster, fueling speculation that a deal is imminent.

PFL Retains Exclusive Negotiating Window

Martin told The Ariel Helwani Show that the league is preparing a competitive offer and holds exclusive negotiating rights. "There is so much misinformation. The UFC has not given him an offer. They're not legally allowed to. We have an exclusive negotiating period," he said, per BJPenn.com.

The PFL executive also said he found it ironic that Nurmagomedov is now being treated as a top talent after many doubted whether he would crack the UFC's top 15 a year ago. "I started saying a year ago, 'This guy is one of the best lightweightsin the world,' and I think people were almost mocking me," Martin said.

Martin added that the league would love to keep Nurmagomedov but acknowledged the decision ultimately rests with the fighter. The PFL's exclusive window expires in the coming weeks, after which Nurmagomedov would be free to sign elsewhere.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — PFL CEO slams ‘misinformation’ surrounding Usman Nurmagomedov’s potential UFC signing