Highlights! Free Agent Nurmagomedov Smashes Colgan In One, Is UFC Next?

· Yahoo Sports

ELMONT, NEW YORK - JULY 31: Usman Nurmagomedov reacts after knocking out Archie Colgan for the lightweight world title during PFL New York at UBS Arena on July 31, 2026 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Current Professional Fighters League (PFL) Lightweight champion, Usman Nurmagomedov, headed into the final fight of his contract with the promotion against Archie Colgan in the main event of PFL New York earlier tonight (Fr., July 31, 2026) looking to make a big statement ahead of negotiations for a new deal.

And that mission was accomplished emphatically.

Visit bettingx.bond for more information.

After a tentative start from both men, Nurmagomedov started pushing the pace against the wrestling powerhouse, who came into the event undefeated at 13-0, 2-0 PFL. With four minutes gone in the opening round, Nurmagomedov landed his always-lethal question mark kick right on the money, which rocked Colgan. In a flash, Nurmagomedov landed a massive right hand that dropped his foe flat on the canvas.

Showing his heart, Colgan managed to get back to his feet, thought it was to be short-lived. Indeed, Nurmagomedov kept pressing the action and landed two consecutive uppercuts that folded Colgan once again to his knees. From there it was nothing but target practice for the champion, who landed four unanswered shots that ultimately forced the stoppage.

See the brief highlights below:

With the win, Nurmagomedov improves to 22-0, 4-0 PFL and solidifies himself as one of the best fighters on the planet, regardless of promotion. Speaking of which, with the final fight of his contract fulfilled, now it remains to be seen where he goes from here.

After the fight, Jake Paul — who recently announced an MVP-PFL merger — stepped into the cage to sing Nurmagomedov’s praises, and even offered to buy him a new car if he secures another knockout in his next fight. Of course, the champion was quick to turn the tables and asked him to consider his current performance seeing as how no one knows what the future holds, an obvious reference to his free agent status. And Nurmagomedov didn’t stop there, as he went on to challenge Paul to put his money where his mouth is, mentioning his constant trash talk toward Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter pay.

Of course, one would think that the logical step for Nurmagomedov would be to make the jump over to UFC to further challenge himself. Because let’s face it, even with the PFL-MVP merger there aren’t a ton of big name options for the champion should he stay put.

With his resume as stacked as it is and carrying the Nurmagomedov name proudly, his management team does have bargaining power should they sit at the table with UFC. That means big fights coupled with big pay should be a very real discussion right from the jump, which won’t make it easy for Paul and Co. if they want to retain the dominant champion.

Where do you think Nurmagomedov will end up?

For all the latest PFL news and notes click here.

Read full story at source