It won't be long before Usman Nurmagomedov decides where his next fight will take place, according to his cousin and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Usman (22-0) completed his PFL contract on Friday with a first-round knockout of Archie Colgan (13-1) at PFL New York to defend his lightweight title and show what a valuable asset he could be to any company that signs him.
Khabib was in the corner with his star pupil and celebrated with Usman following the spectacular finish. He clearly recognized the significance of the moment, and heaped praise on Usman in the aftermath of the fight.
Check out Khabib's complete reaction statement below, where he lays out a timeline of "very soon" for when Usman's future will be decided (via Instagram):
"Usman has shown
and proven over the last couple of years that he is the best lightweight outside the UFC. Not with words, but with his performances.
When I said in 2020 that Islam (Makhachev) was the best at that time, there were many people who disagreed. Believe me guys, there are levels to this game.
You will see for yourselves what happens next. There will be negotiations over the next month, and very soon you will find out for yourselves which league he will continue competing in."
Usman, 28, said in the immediate aftermath of his PFL New York win that money will exceed legacy when dictating his next choice. There's much discussion about a potential UFC signing, with UFC CEO Dana White confirming interest following Saturday's UFC Fight Night 283 event Belgrade, Serbia.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Khabib: Usman Nurmagomedov will make free agency decision 'very soon'
