Grant Dawson: Free agent Usman Nurmagomedov merits top UFC opposition
The short version
- Usman Nurmagomedov (22-0) is a free agent after reigning as Bellator/PFL lightweight champion for nearly four years.
- Grant Dawson wants him tested against top lightweights such as Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan if he joins the UFC.
- Dawson said Nurmagomedov could even be placed in a title fight, pointing out the UFC has done so before.
- Teammate and UFC champion Islam Makhachev is pushing Nurmagomedov toward the UFC.
The American Top Team lightweight says the undefeated PFL champion has earned a big-name matchup or even a title shot if he signs with the UFC.
Undefeated PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov is currently a free agent, and UFC lightweight contender Grant Dawson believes he has done enough to skip the line if he joins the promotion.
Dawson, who trains at American Top Team, told MMA Junkie that the lightweight division is already brutal and that Nurmagomedov would add another dangerous challenger. He referenced a popular meme about the gauntlet of Justin Gaethje, Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira that aspirants must survive just to reach the champion.
Nurmagomedov (22-0) has held Bellator and PFL gold for nearly four years and has compiled many finishes. Dawson argued that because PFL is among the biggest promotions in the world, that record warrants elite competition immediately.
He suggested matchups with Holloway, Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan, or even a direct title fight, noting the UFC has fast-tracked fighters that way before. Nurmagomedov's teammate, UFC champion Islam Makhachev, has also encouraged him to make the move.
