PFL
Usman Nurmagomedov has some critiques for two top UFC lightweights amid free agency.
Nurmagomedov is currently the biggest free agent in MMA. He capped off the last fight on his PFL deal with a knockout over Archie Colgan to retain the lightweight gold. Many believe now might be the time for Nurmagomedov to make the jump, and if that happens he doesn’t seem to be too worried about the top contenders.
In an interview with Sport24, the highly sought after free agent said he’s not impressed with former UFC lightweight and featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria (via Home of Fight).
😳💥 Usman Nurmagomedov went off on the current top ranked lightweights in the UFC.
🇪🇸 Speaking on Ilia Topuria: “Topuria, who hyped himself up, lost early, sat on his stool and said he wouldn’t continue.”
🇦🇲 Speaking on Arman Tsarukyan: “Arma lost to Gamrot and lost to Islam.… pic.twitter.com/RKrCoMOdx8
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) August 28, 2026
“Topuria, who hyped himself up, lost early, sat on his stool and said he wouldn’t continue,” Nurmagomedov said.
Nurmagomedov then turned his attention to Arman Tsarukyan, The undefeated star mentioned Tsarukyan’s 2022 loss against Mateusz Gamrot and questioned his activity.
“Arman lost to Gamrot and lost to Islam,” Nurmagomedov continued. “He sits and waits and fights once a year, and says he’s the best fighter in the world. While he had two fights, I made four title defenses.”
Topuria has some digesting to do after suffering a brutal corner stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. Topuria had been on a roll, knocking out future UFC Hall of Famers Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira before running into Gaethje on the White House lawn.
Tsarukyan is vying for a UFC lightweight title shot when he meets Mauricio Ruffy on the UFC 331 card on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles. Things had been a bit dicey for Tsarukyan despite his success inside the Octagon.
Having pulled out of a planned 155-pound title fight against Islam Makhachev in early 2025, the newly nicknamed “Batman” was thought to be in the UFC doghouse. Tsarukyan’s efforts on social media appear to have helped him gain some favor within the promotion.
If Usman Nurmagomedov signs with UFC, how does he match up against Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
