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UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev hinted that Usman Nurmagomedov could be signing with the promotion soon.

Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC welterweight title this Saturday against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. Makhachev returns to the Octagon after becoming the UFC’s latest two-division champ by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.

As Makhachev continues his final preparations for UFC 330, one of his longtime teammates could be on the way to the promotion. PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, is a free agent and could potentially sign with the UFC in the coming weeks.

UFC CEO Dana White recently expressed interest in signing the undefeated champion, and manager Ali Abdelaziz hinted that the promotion has reached out. Nurmagomedov most recently finished Archie Colgan at PFL New York.

Ahead of UFC 330, Makhachev not only hinted that a Nurmagomedov UFC signing could be imminent, but also teased a few potential matchups for the PFL champ.

Islam Makhachev tabs Usman Nurmagomedov for immediate UFC title shot

During his UFC 330 media day press conference, Makhachev was asked about Nurmagomedov’s potential UFC signing and hinted at a potential deal in the works.

“Usman has been training with us since he was really young. I know 100 percent that he’s ready to fight for the UFC title tomorrow,” Makhachev said of Nurmagomedov.

“In my opinion, Usman did his job in the PFL, and he’s ready to show a good performance in the UFC. Right now, is the time for Usman in the UFC and we have some people in mind. We want Justin for the belt, but if he has to do one more [fight], he’ll face Arman [Tsarukyan] or [Mauricio] Ruffy.”

Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy will clash in the UFC 331 co-main event next month in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, lightweight champ Justin Gaethje’s return timeline remains uncertain, although he’s widely speculated to face the Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy winner for his first title defense.

Can Usman Nurmagomedov win a UFC title? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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