Islam
Makhachev has no intention of following Khabib
Nurmagomedov’s footsteps and retiring early.

Nurmagomedov retired at the age of 32 as the undefeated and
undisputed
Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion. Makhachev
then surpassed his mentor's accomplishments at 155 pounds before
claiming gold at 170 pounds. The reigning welterweight king has no
intentions of stopping anytime soon.

Islam Makhachev discusses UFC 330 title defense, Anderson Silva
record chase and future goals

Makhachev is set to defend his welterweight title for the first
time when he meets Ian Garry in
the UFC
330 headliner on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia. Ahead of his first
title defense at 170 pounds, the Dagestani made it clear that early
retirement isn't part of his plans. While a victory over Garry will
see Makhachev break the Octagon record for most consecutive wins,
he's looking to extend the record and further cement his
legacy.

“I am the best fighter in the world, but I want to be the best
fighter to ever do this,†Makhachev said during a UFC 330
promotional video broadcast during
UFC Belgrade. “I have to beat Garry to beat Anderson
Silva’s record. And it’s not going to be just 17 [wins in a
row], it’s going to be many more. I am the best fighter in the
world. I’m going to show it in Philadelphia.â€

Following a promise made to his mother, Nurmagomedov retired months
after the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
“The Eagle†has since weighed in on Makhachev’s future, previously
revealing that the latter only has a few more fights left, but the
reigning welterweight champ's latest comments suggest otherwise.

Usman Nurmagomedov is now MMA's most prized free agent. | 📷: PFL
MMA

---

Usman
Nurmagomedov has emerged as the most sought-after free agent in
mixed martial arts after completing his contract with the
Professional Fighters League.

Comments from
Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana
White and Usman's cousin, UFC Hall of Famer Khabib
Nurmagomedov, suggest his next move could be unveiled soon.

Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals negotiations on Usman
Nurmagomedov's future will commence ‘soon'

Nurmagomedov further extended his perfect record and added to his
value as a free agent with his dominant victory over Archie
Colgan at
PFL New York. While a UFC move is rumored, re-signing with the
PFL could be a possibility amid the promotion's merger with

Most Valuable Promotions.

Notably, PFL CEO John Martin and MVP co-founder Jake Paul
have publicly expressed their desire to retain the undefeated
lightweight champion. However, when asked about Usman following

UFC Belgrade, White confirmed the UFC's interest in the Russian
and later doubled down on the claim with a subtle hint in a social
media post, sharing a smiling emoji.

Khabib also weighed in on Usman's future. In an Instagram post, the
former UFC lightweight champion revealed that negotiations will be
held soon.

“Usman has shown and proven over the last couple of years that he
is the best lightweight outside the UFC,†Khabib wrote on
Instagram. “Not with words, but with his performances. When I said
in 2020 that Islam was the best at that time, there were many
people who disagreed. Believe me guys, there are levels to this
game. You will see for yourselves what happens next. There will be
negotiations over the next month, and very soon you will find out
for yourselves which league he will continue competing in.â€

An elite
middleweight clash headlines PFL Charlotte: Tune on Friday, Aug. 7
at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Dana White had the biggest smile on his face
when asked about signing Usman
Nurmagomedov 😭

“Sure.” pic.twitter.com/5hTcA4lvf8

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS)
August 1, 2026

🚨 Khabib on Usman
Nurmagomedov’s future 👀

“Usman has shown and proven over the last couple of years that he
is the best lightweight outside the UFC. Not with words, but with
his performances.

When I said in 2020 that Islam was the best at that time, there
were many people who… https://t.co/EAaGN086db pic.twitter.com/4DYLQ0XjNf

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS)
August 1, 2026

Josh
Hokit and Jake Paul are
going back and forth on social media.

Paul recently attracted Hokit's attention by challenging NFL
players. The YouTuber-turned-boxer believes no NFL player can
outbox him in the squared circle. However, he's confident he can
catch a touchdown pass without any training.

Jake Paul offered $1M. This former NFL player had a
response

“The Problem Child†even offered $1 million to any NFL player who
can box him better than he can run routes against them.

“Will pay any NFL player $1 million dollars if you can box me
better than I run routes against you Internet is judge. Will send
my jet to pick you up who's down?†Paul wrote on X.

“Not a single NFL player could last 2 rounds in a professional
boxing ring,†he wrote in another post. “Meanwhile I can catch a
touchdown pass tomorrow in the NFL with 0 training.â€

Former football player Hokit didn't let Paul's comments pass. “The
Incredible Hok†is confident that he can beat Paul not only in
boxing but in any sport in the world.

“With all due respect, [Jake Paul] Not only could I beat you in a
boxing match, I'd beat you in any sport under the sun,†Hokit
posted in response.

Paul believes Hokit is just trying to chase clout and is open to
boxing the
Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight in Puerto Rico.

“I see your hustle. You do your best to sell,†Paul responded. “If
you want to fly down to Puerto Rico and box – anytime I will gladly
embarrass you.â€

Hokit (10-0) originally looked to make a career in the NFL.
However, he went unpicked in the 2020 NFL draft before being signed
by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent. Hokit's NFL
career never took off and he transitioned to MMA soon after. He has
four UFC wins with three knockouts and three bonuses. The
undefeated heavyweight has also quickly grown in popularity with
his polarizing comments and antics.

Will pay any nfl player $1 million dollars
if you can box me better than I run routes against you

Internet is judge

Will send my jet to pick you up who's down?

— Jake
Paul (@jakepaul)
August 1, 2026

With all due respect, @jakepaul … Not
only could I beat you in a boxing match, I'd beat you in any sport
under the sun. 😊 https://t.co/8vxEZXhChk

— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC)
August 1, 2026

I see your hustle. You do your best to sell.
If you want to fly down to Puerto Rico and box – anytime I will
gladly embarrass you.

— Jake
Paul (@jakepaul)
August 1, 2026