Khabib Nurmagomedov didn’t allow Jake Paul to wrap the PFL lightweight title around Usman Nurmagomedov’s waist last night (Fri., July 31, 2026) at PFL New York from inside UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, as the former UFC lightweight king snatched the belt from the controversial YouTuber and did it himself.
Friday was an important fight for Nurmagomedov for more than one reason. First, he was looking to defend his PFL lightweight title for the second-straight time against a dangerous opponent in Archie
Colgan. Second, this was Nurmagomedov’s last fight on his current PFL deal. While most are hoping the undefeated Dagestani sensation finally signs with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) it was still a chance for Nurmagomedov to leave a lasting impression on PFL.
As advertised, Nurmagomedov completely dominated the fight. He needed just under four minutes to land a brutal head kick and that put Colgan on skates. Nurmagomedov went for absolute broke and unloaded heavy combinations as he chased Colgan around the cage and finally landed the knockout blow he was looking for (watch it HERE). It was one of his most impressive performances under the PFL/Bellator banner.
After the fight, Nurmagomedov was announced the winner and was standing in the middle of the cage waiting for the PFL lightweight title to be wrapped around his waist. Paul, who was there to promote the recent merger between PFL and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), appeared to want to play the role of Dana White and put the belt on Nurmagomedov. That was before Khabib quickly snatched the PFL title from Paul’s hands and did it himself. Maybe Khabib and his team don’t respect Paul after some of the comments he has made about MMA as a whole.
Check it out below and let us know your thoughts!
For more PFL New York results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
