PFL CEO Says Usman Nurmagomedov Can Leave for UFC, But Promotion Will Still Make Offer
PFL CEO John Martin says he has no problem with Usman Nurmagomedov potentially moving to the UFC after his next fight.
Speaking with Home of Fight, Martin addressed Nurmagomedov’s future as the lightweight star approaches the final fight on his current PFL contract. While PFL plans to make Usman a new offer, Martin made it clear that the promotion will not treat the situation like a crisis if he chooses to leave.
For Martin, the company’s bigger mission is not only about keeping one major name. It is about building a strong roster from top to bottom.
PFL Plans to Make Usman an Offer
Usman Nurmagomedov remains one of the most talented fighters under the PFL banner.
His name, skill set, undefeated reputation, and connection to the Nurmagomedov fighting legacy make him a valuable athlete for any promotion. It makes sense that PFL would want to keep him.
Martin confirmed that PFL intends to make Usman an offer after his next fight, but he also sounded realistic about the situation.
If Usman wants to test himself in the UFC, Martin does not appear interested in blocking that path or turning the situation into a public fight.
That is an interesting stance from a major promotion CEO.
Martin Says PFL Is Building a Full Roster
The most important part of Martin’s comments is his view on star-building.
He said PFL is not focused only on creating individual stars. Instead, the goal is to create depth across the roster, with strong talent in every division.
That approach is different from promotions that depend heavily on one or two major names. Martin seems to believe PFL’s long-term success will come from having a complete system, not just one superstar carrying attention.
Usman is valuable, but Martin’s message is clear: PFL wants to be bigger than one fighter.
Usman to UFC Would Be a Huge Story
If Usman Nurmagomedov does move to the UFC, it would immediately become a major MMA headline.
Fans would want to see how he matches up against the UFC lightweight division. His style, grappling, composure, and championship experience would make him one of the most interesting additions to the roster.
The UFC lightweight division is already one of the deepest in the sport, and Usman joining it would create several exciting matchups.
That is why his contract situation is being watched closely.
Martin’s response may also be a smart business move.
Instead of sounding desperate or defensive, he presented PFL as confident in its own direction. That can help the promotion’s image. It shows that PFL values Usman but also believes in its roster, system, and future.
If Usman stays, PFL keeps a major talent.
If he leaves, the promotion can still say it is focused on building many stars rather than depending on one.
John Martin’s comments about Usman Nurmagomedov’s future show a calm and realistic approach from PFL.
The promotion plans to make Usman an offer after his next fight, but Martin says he has no issue if Usman chooses to move to the UFC.
For Usman, the next step could define a major part of his career.
For PFL, the message is clear: they want to keep top talent, but their long-term vision is bigger than one fighter.
