Usman Nurmagomedov Trashes UFC Lightweight Top Ten

PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov believes the UFC's top-ranked 155-pounders are overhyped.

Nurmagomedov, who fought out his PFL contract last month and recently turned down a two-million-dollar-per-fight extension, told Russian outlet Sport24 that the UFC's promotional power inflates reputations. He singled out multiple ranked contenders for recent losses, including Michael Chandler, Benoit Saint Denis, and featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.

Nurmagomedov Questions UFC Lightweight Rankings

The undefeated Dagestani pointed to Saint Denis dropping three straight after wins over lower-tier opponents, Chandler sitting in the top fifteen despite a loss to Paddy Pimblett, and Arman Tsarukyan earning title shots off limited activity. "Just look at the guys in the UFC who sit in the top 10 and they just fight amongst themselves and keep the top ten closed," he said, per MMA Mania.

Nurmagomedov also cited Topuria's recent featherweight title loss, claiming the Georgian "quit on the stool" and said he did not want to continue. He contrasted that with his own four PFL title defenses while Tsarukyan fought twice in the same span.

"You know how they can talk? The UFC PR machine is very strong," Nurmagomedov said. "The fights I do, not everyone knows the names." His team has already projected him as the next UFC lightweight champion if he signs with the promotion during his ninety-day negotiation window.

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• MMA Mania — Usman Nurmagomedov trashes UFC lightweight top ten, claims they’re a product of ‘PR machine’