Khabib Says 22-0 Usman Nurmagomedov Will Negotiate Next Move in 1 Month

Q: Why did an undefeated MMA champion publicly question Jake Paul's fighter pay promises moments after a spectacular victory?

Usman Nurmagomedov did it because he had just become a free agent and wanted to test whether Jake Paul and the new PFL-MVP partnership could back up their public claims about fighter pay with a real offer. Moments after knocking out Archie Colgan and finishing his PFL contract, Nurmagomedov used the spotlight to make a pointed business statement. Standing next to Paul in the cage, he referenced MVP’s repeated criticism of Dana White and UFC pay, saying in effect that now it was Paul’s turn to show what he would pay. The timing mattered: Nurmagomedov is undefeated, holds the PFL lightweight title, and suddenly has leverage in negotiations with both PFL and potentially the UFC. The remark also reflected a practical concern, not just trash talk. Reports from fight night and afterward showed Nurmagomedov was openly weighing money alongside legacy in deciding his next move. He signaled that praise for fighter compensation means little unless it produces guaranteed pay and bonuses. When Paul reportedly offered a future car bonus tied to another knockout, Nurmagomedov pushed for money now, saying tomorrow is uncertain. So his challenge was both skepticism and negotiation. He publicly questioned Paul’s promises because he was in the strongest bargaining position of his career and wanted proof that the PFL-MVP alliance could deliver better terms, not just marketing.

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Aug 3

Usman Nurmagomedov’s future will be decided next month, Khabib Nurmagomedov said after the PFL lightweight champion became a free agent with a first-round knockout of Archie Colgan in New York.
Khabib called the 22-0 fighter “the best lightweight outside the UFC,” stressing that no decision has been made on which league Usman will join next.
That uncertainty has fueled UFC speculation after Dana White was asked about the newly available star, while Khabib also publicly thanked PFL and executive Mike Kogan for their treatment of fighters.
Jake Paul’s newly expanded role adds another angle: after MVP’s merger with PFL, Usman challenged the promotion to prove in contract talks that it can pay better than the UFC.