TLDR
- An Olympic wrestling gold medalist signed with PFL after Khabib Nurmagomedov recommended UFC sign him
- The UFC did not pursue contract negotiations with the Olympic champion despite Khabib’s endorsement
- PFL has increasingly attracted elite wrestling talent with its season format and prize money
- Khabib’s recommendations typically carry weight in MMA, making this a rare public miss
- The signing reflects growing competition between MMA promotions for Olympic-level wrestlers
Sources: Sportsnet | Sportbible | Sherdog
An Olympic wrestling gold medalist has signed with the Professional Fighters League after the UFC failed to act on a recommendation from former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. The development marks a rare public misstep for the retired superstar’s influence in the sport.
Khabib had urged UFC executives to sign the Olympic champion, but the promotion did not move forward with contract negotiations. The fighter subsequently agreed to terms with PFL, one of the UFC’s main competitors in mixed martial arts.
The identity of the Olympic gold medalist has not been publicly confirmed by either organization. However, the signing represents a growing trend of elite wrestlers transitioning to professional MMA through promotions outside the UFC.
⚡ Two-time Olympic champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev has signed with the RAF league.Legend🤼♂️
Via: @RAFWrestlingUSA pic.twitter.com/4cOBoKzRLv— Fighthub_09 (@GnxZ439272) January 15, 2026
PFL Attracts Elite Talent
The Professional Fighters League has increasingly positioned itself as a viable alternative to UFC for incoming fighters. The promotion’s unique season format and guaranteed prize money have attracted established names and rising prospects.
Khabib’s endorsement typically carries weight in the MMA world. The undefeated former UFC lightweight champion retired in 2020 with a perfect 29-0 record and has since become an influential coach and promoter.
His cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, currently competes in the UFC bantamweight division. Umar is scheduled to face former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas.
UFC Faces Competition for Wrestlers
The UFC has historically been the preferred destination for Olympic-level wrestlers entering MMA. Champions like Daniel Cormier, Henry Cejudo, and Khabib himself all won Olympic or world championship medals before joining the promotion.
Recent years have seen other organizations compete more aggressively for wrestling talent. PFL, Bellator, and other promotions have offered lucrative contracts to attract fighters before they reach free agency.
The UFC is preparing for a busy early 2026 schedule with events planned for 11 of 12 consecutive Saturdays. The promotion will host UFC 324 through UFC 327 between January 24 and April 11.
Neither the UFC nor PFL has released official statements about the signing. Representatives for Khabib Nurmagomedov were not available for comment.
The timing of the signing comes as the UFC navigates changes in its broadcast partnerships. The promotion recently shifted some of its media rights deals while maintaining its primary relationship with ESPN.
PFL has been expanding its roster across multiple weight classes. The organization operates a regular season and playoff format that differs from the UFC’s traditional matchmaking approach.
The signing also reflects the broader landscape of MMA talent acquisition. Promotions now scout Olympic competitions and international wrestling tournaments to identify prospects before they enter professional fighting.
Khabib remains active in MMA through his coaching work at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California. He regularly attends UFC events and maintains close relationships with fighters and executives in the organization.
