Early career
Nurmagomedov's professional MMA career began on March 26, 2017, in Moscow at the Moscow Pankration Federation promotion tournament. His opponent was Imran Abdiev. Usman won his first professional fight via armbar in the first round. [7] [8]
Nurmagomedov would continue fighting in various organizations such as the GFC and UAE Warriors, winning his next 10 fights. All but one of these fights were won by a knockout or submission. [9] After winning his 11th professional fight in the Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov Memory Tournament, Usman signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator. [10] According to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, he is considered to be a "major prospect" in the sport. [11]
Bellator MMA
In his stateside and Bellator debut on April 2, 2021, at Bellator 255, Nurmagomedov fought Mike Hamel. Primarily using his significant reach advantage, Usman focused on throwing kicks and not letting Hamel get into range. At times when Hamel did close the distance, Nurmagomedov took the fight to the ground. He won the fight via Unanimous Decision. [12]
In his second fight for Bellator on July 31, 2021, at Bellator 263, Nurmagomedov faced Luis "Manny" Muro. After landing a successful knee that caused Muro to fall to the floor, Nurmagomedov followed through with hammerfists causing the referee to stop the fight in round 1. [13] [14]
Usman's next fight was at Bellator 269 on October 23, 2021, where he faced Patrik Pietilä at a catchweight bout at 160 lbs. After using his kicks from a distance, Nurmagomedov took the fight to the ground once Pietila closed the distance. Taking his back, Nurmagomedov locked in a rear-naked choke, and won the fight by submission in the first round. [15]
Nurmagomedov then faced Chris Gonzalez on July 22, 2022, at Bellator 283. After tripping Gonzalez, Usman locked in a guillotine choke and got the tap. He won the fight via Submission in the first round. [16]
Lightweight Grand Prix and title defenses
Nurmagomedov was announced as one of the participants of the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix, which has a grand prize of $1 million. On March 10, 2023, Usman defended his title in the quarterfinal of the Grand Prix against former WEC and UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson at Bellator 292. [19] He won the fight quickly, dropping Henderson with a question-mark kick seconds into the fight, and then proceeding to take his back and win the fight with a rear-naked choke. [20]
In the semifinals, Nurmagomedov made his second title defense against former champion Brent Primus on 7 October 2023, at Bellator 300. [21] He originally won the fight by unanimous decision but that result was overturned by CSAC when Nurmagomedov tested positive for a prescription drug that contained a banned substance. He was suspended for 6 months, however due to the accidental nature of the ingestion, he was not stripped of the title. [22] [23] [24]
Nurmagomedov was scheduled to face Alexandr Shabliy for the Bellator Lightweight World Championship on May 17, 2024, at Bellator Champions Series 2. [25] However, Nurmagomedov withdrew due to injury and the bout was scrapped. [26] The bout was rescheduled and eventually took place on September 7, 2024 at Bellator Champions Series 4. [27] Nurmagomedov won the fight by unanimous decision. [28]
Nurmagomedov next defended his championship against former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion Paul Hughes on January 25, 2025 in the main event of PFL Champions Series 1. [29] Despite a point deduction in round 3 due to an accidental groin shot, he won the fight by majority decision. [30]
A rematch between Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes was confirmed for PFL Champions Series 3 as the headliner in Dubai, for the inaugural PFL Lightweight World Championship. [31] On October 3, 2025, at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, Nurmagomedov won by unanimous decision after five rounds, with judges scoring 50–45, 49–46, and 48–47 in his favor. [32] [33] [34] The disparity in judge scorecards—especially the 50–45 card—led to controversy and debate among fans and media over judging in closely contested fights. [35] [36]
Nurmagomedov is scheduled to make his first defense of the PFL Lightweight Championship against 2025 PFL Lightweight Tournament winner Alfie Davis on February 7, 2026, at PFL Champions Series 5. [37] [38]
