We are just moments away from witnessing Usman Nurmagomedov’s third title defense against Paul Hughes in Dubai this weekend. As we speak, the Bellator champion is preparing for what could be considered an evenly matched fight. Nurmagomedov is confident that he will secure the victory tomorrow and retain the lightweight title, but what comes next for his career after clearing the PFL roster? Well, he might have answered this question in his conversation with the media.

While having a candid conversation with ‘TalkSport’, the host asked whether Usman Nurmagomedov would join Islam Makhachev after clearing the PFL roster. The current Bellator lightweight champ asserted that he would love to focus on his fight before making any statements about the future, “Right now I have a fight, and let’s finish this fight. What’s going to happen? Let’s talk after,” said Usman Nurmagomedov.

Usman Nurmagomedov’s potential UFC debut isn’t exactly straightforward. There’s an unspoken pact within Team Khabib that its members will never fight each other, meaning Usman would have to wait until Islam Makhachev’s time in the division is over. Interstingly, that is his plan as well. While having a conversation with the ‘Gorilla Fighting’, Nurmagomedov asserted that he would follow in his brother’s footsteps once Makhachev is done with UFC.

“I’m waiting for Islam to finish his career and then I will [go after the UFC title],” said Nurmagomedov. He further added, “I think if we get it right, we’ll be fighting in the UFC at 28. I’m 26 years old right now. In two years, I’ll get stronger and that’s it. Go into the UFC at 28 and compete until I’m 32.”

Islam Makhachev is at the top of his career with his recent victory against Renato Moicano. The fighter might have other aspirations from the promotion but he might not be retiring soon. Regardless, for now, Usman Nurmagomedov will just have to focus on his upcoming match. Well, it must be noted that Paul Hughes is planning something to counter the Dagestani fight.

Paul Hughes is planning to take Usman Nurmagomedov to the deep waters

When you’re an underdog, you have the world to prove that you’re the best, and that’s exactly what’s happening with Paul Hughes, who is looking forward to facing Usman Nurmagomedov tomorrow night at the Coca-Cola Arena. Going up against someone who has never been defeated is a mental pressure that is unimaginable but does this mean that Hughes is budged by it? Certainly not.

While having a conversation with ‘TalkSport’, the lightweight challenger emphasized that the fight was to his advantage and control, “This is going to play many, many factors into my advantage. Experience that I have already gained in the regional scene, like these Cage Warriors world title fights that I was having (were) unbelievably high pressure, way more high pressure than I feel now.”

He further added, “I felt a lot more pressure for those fights. This feels like another day in the office. This feels like I’ve been here before. And I’ve always delivered. I’ve always come out on top. I’ve had to dig through hard adversities during fights. I’ve had to go to dark places to win fights. But I’ve always f—g won them. So that’s where my confidence comes from.”

Usman Nurmagomedov is 18-0 and has finished 77% of his opponents while on the other hand, Hughes is 13-1 and has finished 69% of his opponents. Their battle will be deciding their fate in the promotion. What are your predictions? State your thoughts in the comments below.