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Two-time PFL welterweight season winner Magomed Magomedkerimov is reportedly considering joining the UFC.
Magomedkerimov (34-6) spent nearly half of his professional fighting career under the PFL banner. He found much success winning the PFL welterweight tournament in 2018 and 2023, but after last year the Russian expressed his desire to move away from the season format.
His wish was granted and a fight against former Bellator champion Jason Jackson was scheduled for PFL vs. Bellator: Champions in February. However, Magomedkerimov withdrew due to an undisclosed injury and did not compete in 2024. His last fight was a season-winning submission of Sadibou Sy at the 2023 PFL Championship last November.
Now, Magomedkerimov, 34, would like to be released from the PFL so he can join the UFC.
“I’m waiting for the PFL to let me go,” Magomedkerimov told Meta Ratings in Russian (translated by Google). “I want to test my strengths in the UFC. If I reach an agreement with management to terminate the contract, I will talk about moving to the UFC. Otherwise, I will have another fight.”
Magomedkerimov said he currently has a fight offer on the table to face Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen, but would still like a change of scenery.
“At the moment we are waiting for the situation with the PFL to be resolved,” Magomedkerimov said. “After that, we will start communicating with the UFC.”
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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Report: Two-time PFL champion Magomed Magomedkerimov wants release to join UFC.
