Manager believes Usman Nurmagomedov walks through UFC lightweight contenders, with one exception

Ali Abdelaziz has made bold predictions about undefeated PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov's prospects should he sign with the UFC. Nurmagomedov (22-0) is currently a free agent following his title defense against Archie Colgan, and while the PFL holds a 90-day exclusive negotiation window, the UFC is also pursuing the unbeaten Dagestani.

Abdelaziz believes Nurmagomedov would dominate most of the UFC's elite 155-pound contenders. Speaking on the "Pound 4 Pound" podcast, he predicted Nurmagomedov would stop Paddy Pimblett in under two rounds, make Charles Oliveira quit, and "absolutely demolish" Max Holloway. He also stated Nurmagomedov would knock out or submit Dan Hooker. Abdelaziz wants Nurmagomedov's UFC debut to be against Ilia Topuria, the former two-division champion, predicting that matchup would end with Topuria quitting.

The only opponent Abdelaziz considers capable of giving Nurmagomedov a competitive fight is fellow lightweight Arman Tsarukyan. Both Abdelaziz and Nurmagomedov regard current UFC champion Justin Gaethje as the best lightweight in the world, though Abdelaziz's predictions suggest the undefeated Russian would be favored against most other contenders at the division.