Usman Nurmagomedov Free to Negotiate with UFC After Exclusivity Period Ends

Usman Nurmagomedov is now free to negotiate with the UFC and other promotions following the end of his 90-day exclusivity period with PFL/MVP MMA. This period concluded after his last fight in July, where he achieved a first-round knockout against Archie Colgan.

Fans have been eager for the UFC to sign Nurmagomedov, but he was previously unable to engage in talks due to the exclusivity agreement. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, noted that PFL declined to meet Nurmagomedov's financial demands before his final fight, later offering him $2 million, which he rejected.

Nurmagomedov was recently seen at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi, leading to speculation about a potential signing. UFC president Dana White clarified that no negotiations had started yet, but confirmed that they could begin now that the exclusivity period has ended. Nurmagomedov's team is reportedly aiming for a debut fight against former champion Ilia Topuria, which could position him for a title shot.