PFL boss Donn Davis reacts to Usman Nurmagomedov's UFC dream: "People say things all the time"
It appears Donn Davis doesn't intend to let Usman Nurmagomedov leave Bellator to join the UFC. The PFL founder recently shared his thoughts on the reigning lightweight champion's plans to sign with the UFC and outlined a course of action to keep the 26-year-old at Bellator.
For context, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin is widely considered among the best lightweights in the world today and is often asked why he isn't competing in the world's premier MMA promotion. During a recent interview, he confirmed that he intends to sign with the UFC once Islam Makhachev finishes his career and detailed a two-year timeline for his plans.
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Given Nurmagomedov's status as the reigning Bellator lightweight king, it's no surprise that Davis is keen to hold on to him for as long as possible. During a recent Q&A session with MMA Fighting, Davis discussed Nurmagomedov potentially leaving the company and said:
"How many of you said you were going to move to Florida and retire in four years? And how many of you do it? 1 in 10? 1 in 5?... People say things all the time, and then they don’t do it... My goal is to make my man Usman happy. My goal is to make my man, Usman, successful, financially rich, and a champion. So that in two years, he forgets he even says this today."
Davis continued:
"He’ll face everybody that’s exciting eventually. Every fighter is different. What we try to do is meet a fighter where they are. We don’t have one size fits all... I think we’re in a great position to keep him happy. I think two years is infinite time in the fighting world, and I say we can all talk about this question in two years." [H/t: BJPenn]
Watch Donn Davis' full Q&A session below:
When Khabib Nurmagomedov advised Usman Nurmagomedov on how to achieve legend status
Earlier this year, Khabib Nurmagomedov shared some crucial words of advice for Usman Nurmagomedov. The legendary UFC lightweight champion believes that his cousin could follow in his footsteps and outlined a plan for him to do so.
Speaking to the media after the 26-year-old successfully defended his lightweight title against Alexandr Shabliy at Bellator San Diego, 'The Eagle' lauded his cousin's performance and said:
"Usman did an amazing job versus a very good and experienced opponent... He just turned 26, I really believe he's gonna have a great future. He already made history, winning and defending his title three times. But can you imagine after five or six years, [if] this guy stays focused he can put his name as one of the greatest, atop the list. This is what I believe."