Sonnen On Nurmagomedov's UFC Lightweight Chances

Usman Nurmagomedov would compete with the UFC's elite lightweights but would not walk through the division, according to Chael Sonnen.

The PFL champion became a free agent after knocking out Archie Colgan in the first round on July 31 to retain his lightweight title. Multiple promotions are reportedly pursuing the undefeated fighter, with Sonnen predicting a move to the UFC's 155-pound roster.

Nurmagomedov's UFC Prospects

"I predict that Usman does go over to (the UFC's) 155 pounds," Sonnen said in a video on his YouTube channel, per MMA Junkie. "He will not be a lock. He will not just walk through Paddy 'The Baddy,' Max Holloway, Arman Tsarukyan, or Justin Gaethje. But could he compete with them all? Yes. Is he good enough to beat them all? Yeah. They can beat him too, but yes, Usman is that good."

The UFC Hall of Famer said PFL should not overpay to retain Nurmagomedov, estimating the fighter's market value at around $500,000. Sonnen argued promotions are buying headlines and media attention rather than purely athletic talent.

Nurmagomedov's manager Ali Abdelaziz said PFL offered a deal before the Colgan fight but the promotion rejected what Abdelaziz considered a fair counter-proposal. The landscape shifted after PFL merged with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, leaving Nurmagomedov's destination uncertain ahead of the next negotiating window.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Usman Nurmagomedov won’t ‘walk through’ UFC lightweight roster, says Chael Sonnen: “They can beat him too”