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Usman Nurmagomedov Challenges Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Reign Ahead of PFL Title Defense

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The lightweight division has seen a lot of drama in the recent months with Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight champ, moving up to face Jack Della Maddalena. Ilia Topuria vacating his featherweight title to hold the lightweight belt. Dustin Poirier’s retirement, Justin Gaethje wanting a title shot, Arman Tsurukyan wanting the throne, I mean it’s a mess.

Usman Nurmagomedov, who is currently preparing for his PFL lightweight title rematch against Paul Hughes, also added to the UFC lightweight drama. His comments may be trying to reignite debates about who truly reigns in that division. The Dagestani star is determined to make a name for himself, and that could involve leaving controversial remarks about the UFC’s new lightweight champion. Is he trying to set the stage for a potential future showdown? Sure looks like it.

Usman Nurmagomedov Questions Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Credibility

In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Usman Nurmagomedov. the PFL lightweight champion, took a swipe at UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, dismissing his claim as the division’s best. While acknowledging his teammate Islam Makhachev as the true 155-pound kind, even after Makhachev’s move to welterweight for UFC 322, Nurmagomedov argued that Topuria, who claimed the vacant UFC lightweight title with a knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, hasn’t earned the top spot.

“Come on, brother. Ilia Topuria cannot be the #1 lightweight in the world. He only has one fight there. I have 20 fights in the lightweight division. I beat former champions, I beat champions. I think my résumé is better than his. He has 14 fights, yes? I have 14 finishes,” Nurmagomedov said. Pointing to Topuria’s limited experience at 155 pounds as a reason he doesn’t deserve the crown over Makhachev or himself.

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Usman Nurmagomedov Claims He Has a Stronger Resume Than Topuria

Nurmagomedov further emphasized his own resume, boasting 19 lightweight fights and 14 career finishes, including victories over former champions and top contenders in the PFL. He contrasted this with Topuria’s UFC lightweight title fight, which does make us wonder how legit is Topuria’s lightweight throne? He has so far only had one lightweight finish in the UFC, but again, it’s the UFC and not PFL. The competition is way different.

“I have 14 finishes in my career,” he said, arguing his extensive lightweight record surpasses Topuria’s, despite the Spaniard’s No.1 pound-for-pound ranking and two-division UFC titles. With Topuria likely sidelined until 2026, Nurmagomedov aims to solidify his case as the best lightweight with a decisive win over Hughes.

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