Abdelaziz On Nurmagomedov Dominating UFC Lightweights

Ali Abdelaziz believes Usman Nurmagomedov would run through the majority of UFC lightweight contenders, with one notable exception.

Nurmagomedov is currently a free agent after defending his PFL lightweight title against Archie Colgan. The undefeated Dagestani carries a 22-0 record and has drawn interest from the UFC while the PFL retains a 90-day exclusive negotiation window. Abdelaziz, who manages Nurmagomedov, told the Pound 4 Pound podcast he wants his fighter to debut against former two-division UFC champion Ilia Topuria if a deal gets done.

Abdelaziz Predicts Quick Finishes Over Top Contenders

The veteran manager ran through a list of lightweight matchups, predicting stoppage wins over Paddy Pimblett, Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Dan Hooker. "Usman will knock out Dan Hooker, he'll submit him. I love Paddy Pimblett. He's a great guy, but Usman will stop him in under two rounds," Abdelaziz said, per Sherdog. He added that Nurmagomedov would make both Topuria and Oliveira quit.

Abdelaziz and Nurmagomedov both regard current UFC champion Justin Gaethje as the best lightweight in the world. The manager sees Arman Tsarukyan as the lone contender capable of providing a competitive fight. "The only fight I can see being competitive is him and Arman," he said on the podcast.

Nurmagomedov's next move hinges on whether the PFL exercises its exclusive negotiation rights or allows him to explore a UFC contract.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Manager believes Usman Nurmagomedov walks through UFC lightweight contenders, with one exception