Usman Nurmagomedov Boldly Claims He Would Submit UFC Champion Ilia Topuria
Usman Nurmagomedov, the dominant PFL lightweight champion, has made a stunning declaration following his latest victory, suggesting he would choke UFC titleholder Ilia Topuria unconscious if they ever met in the cage. The unbeaten Russian fighter, with his legendary cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, reinforced his status as one of MMA's top lightweights by putting British contender Alfie Davis to sleep in Dubai on Saturday.
Nurmagomedov's Dominant Title Defence Sparks UFC Speculation
Nurmagomedov secured his PFL championship retention with a third-round arm triangle choke that rendered Davis unconscious, marking another impressive performance in his undefeated career. This victory, which followed consecutive points wins over Paul Hughes, has naturally ignited discussions about how the 27-year-old phenom would fare against the elite competition in the UFC's stacked 155-pound division.
During his post-fight press conference, Nurmagomedov directly addressed potential matchups with UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and the division's top-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan. "Firstly, the preparation for them would be completely different," he acknowledged. "They're fighters of a different level in terms of skill. For example, Arman both wrestles and strikes, so the preparation would have been entirely different."
However, Nurmagomedov confidently asserted that the outcome would remain unchanged. "But the result would have been the same," he declared, before adding a pointed remark: "Unlike Arman, I don't have a loss." This bold statement underscores his belief in his undefeated record and fighting prowess.
The UFC Lightweight Landscape and Potential Showdowns
Nurmagomedov's comments arrive at a fascinating moment in the UFC lightweight division. Ilia Topuria currently holds the championship, having captured the vacant belt last June with a first-round knockout of former champion Charles Oliveira. Topuria, 29, vacated his featherweight title earlier in the year to pursue success at 155 pounds, where he now reigns supreme.
While Arman Tsarukyan holds the UFC's number one ranking at lightweight following his submission victory over Dan Hooker in November, he does not appear to be next in line for a title shot. Instead, Justin Gaethje's interim-title win over Paddy Pimblett in January has positioned him as the likely challenger for Topuria later this year, temporarily denying fans a potential grudge match between "Paddy The Baddy" and the champion.
This context makes Nurmagomedov's claims particularly provocative, as he essentially positions himself as a superior force who could dominate the UFC's best. His victory over Davis has only amplified debates about whether he could replicate the success of his cousin Khabib and teammate Islam Makhachev, both of whom have won UFC gold at 155 pounds.
Alfie Davis Reflects on His Unconscious Experience
Alfie Davis, the 33-year-old Briton who fell victim to Nurmagomedov's choking technique, provided a vivid account of his experience. Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Davis recalled: "I heard my corner say, '30 seconds left,' and I was like, 'Oh, I'll just chill here [on the mat] and wait, he's not going to get this.' The next thing I know, I'm waking up. He had a monster squeeze on him."
Davis described the disorienting aftermath: "I woke up with Khabib in my face, and I was like... it was weird. If you've ever been choked out, it's like a sort of weird, buzzy feeling. I woke up and I was like, 'Where am I?' I was like, 'Oh, there I am.'" Despite the defeat, Davis acknowledged Nurmagomedov's sportsmanship, noting that the champion and his team were "very respectful."
He also shared a humorous exchange with Islam Makhachev, who quipped: "Hey, brother, now it's 1-1," referencing Davis's previous knockout victory over Gadzhi Rabadanov, a teammate of both Makhachev and Nurmagomedov.
Uncertain Futures for Both Fighters
As the MMA world digests Nurmagomedov's provocative statements, the immediate futures for both fighters remain unclear. Nurmagomedov's next opponent in the PFL has yet to be announced, while Davis must regroup after this high-profile loss. What is certain is that Nurmagomedov has successfully positioned himself at the centre of conversations about crossover potential between promotions, challenging the perceived hierarchy of MMA's lightweight divisions with his uncompromising confidence and proven finishing ability.
