Bellator champion waiting for Islam Makhachev "to finish his career" as he outlines plans to join the UFC
It appears as though a current Bellator champion is already planning a future move to the UFC as he recently discussed Islam Makhachev's career as a factor. He not only provided a potential timeline on when he could be competing in the octagon, but also how long he intends to compete as a professional fighter.
Usman Nurmagomedov is among the most highly touted fighters outside of the UFC and has done an excellent job with his development so far. He is the reigning Bellator lightweight champion with an unbeaten 18-0-1 MMA record and trains under the tutelage of his cousin, Khabib and AKA coach Javier Mendez. So far, the 26-year-old has defeated top Bellator lightweights and former champions including Benson Henderson, Patricky 'Pitbull' Freire and most recently, Alexandr Shabliy.
Gorilla Fighting recently uploaded a vlog of 'The Eagle' and the Bellator lightweight champion from Dagestan, where he addressed interest in joining the UFC in the future. Nurmagomedov mentioned that once Makhachev's reign on top and his career at 155-pounds is over, he will make the move to the MMA leader and pursue a title in the UFC:
"I'm waiting for Islam [Makhachev] to finish his career and then I will [go to the UFC]. I think if we get it right, we'll be fighting in the UFC at 28 [years-old], I'm 26-years-old right now. Two years, I'll get stronger and that's it. Go into the UFC at 28 [years-old] and compete until I'm 32 [years-old]." [Translated] [6:14 - 6:30]
Check out the full vlog featuring Usman Nurmagomedov's comments below:
Who is Bellator champion Usman Nurmagomedov's next challenger?
Usman Nurmagomedov recently made his second successful Bellator lightweight title defense after earning a unanimous decision win over Alexandr Shabliy.
There had been speculation as to who would challenge the Dagestani next following his win, but it appears as though those questions have been answered. This past Saturday at PFL: Battle of the Giants, top lightweight contenders A.J. McKee and Paul Hughes competed in what was believed to be a title eliminator.
Hughes earned a split decision win and immediately called for a title shot against the Dagestani. Based on the Irishman's impressive performance against McKee and the interest among fans on social media, a title fight against Nurmagomedov does appear to be realistic.
Check out Paul Hughes' post-fight interview calling out Usman Nurmagomedov below: