Abdelaziz Predicts Usman Nurmagomedov Would Stop Ilia Topuria Within Four Rounds
MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz has ignited a firestorm of debate by claiming that undefeated PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov would finish former UFC two-division titleholder Ilia Topuria inside four rounds. The bold prediction, posted on X on August 2, comes just days after Nurmagomedov knocked out Archie Colgan in the first round at PFL New York to retain his 155-pound title and extend his record to 22-0. With Nurmagomedov now a free agent and heavily linked to a UFC move, Abdelaziz's comments have immediately positioned Topuria as a potential debut opponent.
"I told everyone before that Justin Gaethje would beat Ilia Topuria. And I'm telling you today: Usman Nurmagomedov will stop Ilia Topuria within four rounds," Abdelaziz wrote, referencing Gaethje's dominant victory over Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 last month. The post was met with swift backlash from fans, many of whom ridiculed the manager for overhyping a fighter they consider unproven outside the PFL. One commenter pointed out that Nurmagomedov "couldn't stop Paul Hughes in 10 rounds and lost the first fight," while another bluntly stated, "Ilia would fu**ing kill that fraud."
Despite the criticism, Abdelaziz's prediction has added fuel to the growing speculation that Nurmagomedov—cousin of UFC legend Khabib—is UFC-bound. UFC CEO Dana White was visibly pleased when asked about the possibility, responding with a simple "Sure" and a smile. However, Nurmagomedov's own coach, Javier Mendez, has poured cold water on the idea of an immediate clash with Topuria, suggesting that a more realistic UFC debut would come against the likes of Paddy Pimblett, Arman Tsarukyan, or Max Holloway.
Topuria's Status: Recovering, Ranked No. 1, and Eyeing a Late 2026 Return
Topuria, 29, is currently on the sidelines recovering from multiple facial fractures sustained in his first career loss to Gaethje at the historic UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House lawn. The Georgian-Spaniard suffered two fractured orbital bones and a broken nose in the fight, which ended his undefeated record and cost him the UFC lightweight title. Despite the setback, Topuria has expressed his intention to return to the Octagon in late 2026, provided he receives medical clearance.
The loss was a stunning reversal for a fighter who had been on a meteoric rise, having captured the featherweight title from Alexander Volkanovski and then moved up to lightweight to challenge Gaethje. Topuria had also been linked to a potential megafight with Conor McGregor, but those talks evaporated after McGregor suffered a catastrophic knee injury in his own return bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329. UFC legend Jon Jones has already weighed in on that hypothetical matchup, picking Topuria to defeat McGregor without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Topuria remains the No. 1 contender in the lightweight division, according to recent rankings, meaning he could be just one win away from another title shot. However, the landscape at 155 pounds is crowded, with Islam Makhachev holding the welterweight title and a host of contenders vying for position. Topuria's recovery timeline and his choice of next opponent will be critical in determining whether he can reclaim his status as a top star.
The 'John Pork' Factor: Demetrious Johnson Endorses a Surprising Matchup
Amid the Nurmagomedov buzz, another intriguing option has emerged for Topuria: a fight against undefeated Russian prospect Magomed Zaynukov, who recently made his UFC debut with a dominant decision win over Damian Rzepecki at UFC Abu Dhabi. Zaynukov, who has been dubbed 'John Pork' in a viral meme, called out Topuria after his win, declaring that "Team Nurmagomedov takes on anyone."
Demetrious Johnson, widely regarded as the greatest UFC fighter of all time, has endorsed the matchup. In a recent YouTube video, Johnson praised Zaynukov's performance and noted that a fight between him and Topuria would be "beautiful" and closer than rankings suggest. "I would love to see this matchup between Chanko and Ilia Topuria," Johnson said, using Zaynukov's proper nickname. "No more 'John Pork', give this man the respect."
The endorsement from Johnson adds weight to the idea that Topuria might not need a title fight to stay relevant. A bout against Zaynukov would be a high-risk, high-reward fight against a young, undefeated talent from the Nurmagomedov camp—a camp that also includes Usman and Islam Makhachev. For Topuria, it could serve as a proving ground to show he can handle the wrestling-heavy style that has stymied so many others.
What's Next for Topuria? A Crossroads of Risk and Reward
Topuria's next move will define the next chapter of his career. On one hand, he could chase an immediate rematch with Gaethje or a title shot against the winner of upcoming fights in the lightweight division. On the other, he could accept a matchup with a rising star like Zaynukov or even a blockbuster fight with McGregor, should the Irishman ever fully recover.
The interest from the Nurmagomedov camp—whether it's Usman or Zaynukov—signals that Topuria remains a coveted name in the sport. But it also underscores the reality that after a devastating loss, fighters often have to take on challengers they might have previously dismissed. The UFC's willingness to sign Usman Nurmagomedov will be a key storyline to watch, as it could set up one of the most anticipated debut fights in recent memory.
For now, Topuria is focused on healing and preparing for a late-2026 comeback. His manager and team have not publicly commented on the Nurmagomedov callout, but the buzz around the matchup is unlikely to fade. As the lightweight division continues to evolve, Topuria's next fight—whether against Usman, Zaynukov, or another top contender—will be a must-watch event that could reshape the entire weight class.
In the broader context, this situation highlights the UFC's ongoing tug-of-war with rival promotion PFL for top talent. Usman Nurmagomedov's free agency is one of the most significant storylines in MMA this year, and if he signs with the UFC, his potential clash with Topuria would be a massive pay-per-view draw. It would also serve as a litmus test for whether the Nurmagomedov style can dominate a former champion who was considered nearly unstoppable until last month.
As the MMA world waits for official announcements, one thing is certain: Ilia Topuria remains a central figure in the sport's biggest narratives. Whether he silences his critics with a triumphant return or faces another setback, his next fight will be one of the most talked-about events of 2026.
Comments