Usman Nurmagomedov recently took a dig at the UFC lightweight division’s hotshots while explaining why he believes the notion that fighters outside the UFC aren’t on the same level isn’t true.

During a recent interview with Sport24, Nurmagomedov went off on the records and recent performances of 155-pound contenders Michael Chandler and Benoit Saint-Denis. He then set his sights on Paddy Pimblett, reminding the interviewer that “The Baddy” suffered a loss to the 37-year-old Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. Yet, following Pimblett’s most recent win over Saint Denis at UFC 329, he now sits as the No. 5-ranked lightweight contender.

“[Paddy] Pimblett lost to a 37-year-old veteran fighter. Well, he’s top one or two now.”

Check out Usman Nurmagomedov’s comments below:

Usman Nurmagomedov mocks Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan

The undefeated Russian phenom also took a dig at Ilia Topuria during the same Sport24 interview by bringing up Topuria’s title loss to Justin Gaethje at the White House and how “El Matador” quit on his stool after the fourth round.

“[Ilia] Topuria, who was praising himself. Lost early, sat down on a chair, and said that I was not continuing.”

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 14: Ilia Topuria of Georgia reacts against Justin Gaethje of the United States in the UFC Lightweight Championship bout during UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Lastly, Usman said this about top 155-pound contender Arman Tsarukyan:

“Arman [Tsarukyan] lost to Gamrot, and he lost to Islam. He sits, waits a year, fights once says that he is the best fighter in the world. While he had two fights, I made four title defenses.”

The PFL Lightweight Champion, meanwhile, lauded No. 6 UFC lightweight Quillan Salkilld, who is undefeated in the UFC with a 6-0 record in the promotion and has also scored four back-to-back finishes.

“Quillan Salkilld, he is doing very well… It is interesting to watch him. So Cold-blooded.”

Check out Usman Nurmagomedov’s comments below:

Usman’s comments suggest that he believes the UFC lightweight division is filled with stars, but that those stars fight among themselves. Hence, being ranked in the top 15 doesn’t automatically make someone the best in the world.

“They just fight each other and stay in the top 10, and that’s all.”

The 28-year-old, who could soon be a part of the UFC, pointed out through his examples that many of the UFC’s ranked 155-pound contenders have one or more losses on their records, whereas he remains undefeated, with a 22-0 record.

BELMONT PARK, NY – JULY 31: Usman Nurmagomedov celebrates with Khabib Nurmagomedov after fighting against Archie Colgan during PFL New York at the UBS Arena on July 31, 2026 in Belmont Park, New York. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.