Dana White Hints in One Word: Is Usman Close to the UFC?

Usman Nurmagomedov knocked out Archie Colgan in the first round at PFL New York and defended his championship belt. Since this was the final fight of his current contract, the undefeated lightweight champion has become one of the most sought-after free agents in MMA.

The main question now is whether he will sign a new deal with PFL or move to the UFC, where Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have achieved major success. Dana White’s brief but meaningful answer in Belgrade further fueled speculation about the second scenario.

Dana White was asked one question

At the press conference following the UFC event in Belgrade, Dana White was asked whether he was interested in bringing Usman Nurmagomedov to the organization.

The UFC president did not give a lengthy explanation:

“Absolutely.”

Reports noted that White gave the answer with a smile. Later, he reacted with a laughing emoji to a social media post featuring the clip. This does not confirm that formal negotiations have begun, but it shows that the UFC president is not hiding his interest in the fighter.

A first-round win increased his value

The way Usman entered free agency was also significant. He did not simply win; he defended his PFL belt by stopping previously undefeated Archie Colgan in the first round.

Before the fight, Colgan had 13 wins and an undefeated record, ranking third in the PFL lightweight division. The organization had presented him as one of the champion’s toughest challenges.

However, Nurmagomedov gave his opponent little time to make an impact. He disrupted Colgan’s balance with precise kicks and combinations, then forced the referee to stop the fight with further attacks. After the victory, Usman’s professional record stood at 22–0.

Is Usman really a free agent?

The bout against Colgan was the final fight on Nurmagomedov’s current PFL contract. Both the fighter and the promotion’s leadership had spoken openly about this before the event.

In that sense, he is now entitled to discuss offers for a new contract. However, free-agent status does not mean Usman has already left PFL or reached an agreement with the UFC.

Therefore, Usman’s next destination has not yet been decided. Dana White’s “absolutely” was a sign of interest, not a signed contract.

PFL will not let its champion go easily either

Although talk of Usman moving to the UFC has intensified, PFL has not abandoned the possibility of retaining him.

PFL executive Jon Martin said before the event that the question of a new deal with the champion would be discussed after his final fight. He stressed that the promotion wants to keep Nurmagomedov, but the agreement must also make financial sense.

That leaves Usman with at least two major paths:

• Stay in PFL while securing a higher salary and retaining his championship status;

• Move to the UFC and begin a new challenge in the world’s most famous MMA promotion.

The choice may depend on more than money. The level of opponents, how quickly he could move toward a title shot, the number of fights and other contractual demands could also be decisive.

Why is the UFC option so intriguing?

Nurmagomedov competes at lightweight. The UFC’s 155-pound division has traditionally been considered one of the most competitive weight classes in the organization.

A move to the UFC could open several major opportunities for Usman:

• Fights against famous ranked opponents;

• A chance to prove his level before a huge audience;

• An opportunity to become UFC champion;

• A chance to write a new chapter in the Nurmagomedov team’s history.

Islam Makhachev’smove up to welterweight has also intensified speculation that it could clear a path for Usman at lightweight. However, the UFC is not obliged to give a new fighter an immediate title shot—he may first have to defeat one or more ranked opponents.

What did Khabib say about the negotiations?

Usman’s cousin and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, indicated after the victory over Colgan that the fighter’s future remains uncertain.

According to reports, Khabib said that various offers would be discussed over the next month, after which a decision would be made. This statement does not currently confirm claims that Usman has secretly reached a full agreement with the UFC.

Instead, it appears that the team plans to avoid rushing and choose the most favorable terms.

What could Dana White’s smile mean?

White often uses brief and ambiguous answers during transfer negotiations. For that reason, his smile and social media reaction can be interpreted in several ways:

1. The UFC is ready to contact Usman.

2. Initial communication may have already taken place.

3. White is putting pressure on rival promotion PFL.

4. The UFC president is deliberately increasing public interest.

None of these possibilities has been officially confirmed so far. But one thing is clear: Usman Nurmagomedov has caught the attention of the UFC leadership.

A new force could emerge at lightweight

Usman is still only 28, undefeated and the reigning PFL champion. By knocking out Colgan, he not only retained his belt but also entered negotiations for a new contract from the strongest possible position.

PFL could offer him a major financial package. The UFC offers tougher competition, global fame and a new path to championship glory.

That is why Dana White’s single word—“absolutely”—carried more weight than an ordinary answer. The MMA world is now waiting not just to see whom Usman will fight next, but which organization’s octagon he will enter.

Do you think Usman Nurmagomedov should move to the UFC or remain a PFL champion? Share your opinion in the comments and send the article to fellow sports fans on Telegram or other social networks!