Ali Abdelaziz once again praised Usman Nurmagomedov 's potential by comparing the PFL champion to the top names in the UFC's lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). The Russian's manager, whose fighter is currently without a contract, stated that Khabib Nurmagomedov 's cousin would have a significant advantage in a potential fight against Ilia Topuria and even said that, if he represented the Spaniard, he would prefer to retire him rather than accept the fight.
In an interview on the 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast, last Thursday (6), Abdelaziz was asked how he would view a duel between Usman and the double champion. Convinced, he did not hide his confidence in his pupil and pointed out technical characteristics that, in his view, favor him.
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“If I were his manager, I would rather retire than accept this fight. Usman does very well with short guys, and Ilia is a very, very short guy with knees, low kicks, and high kicks. Usman does the dodging movement the same way Justin Gaethje does ,” said Ali Abdelaziz.
In Abdelaziz's view, Usman Nurmagomedov 's physical characteristics and fighting style would make the difference in a potential confrontation against Topuria. The promoter believes the Russian would have an advantage in the duel precisely because of how he uses distance, kicks, and movement to control his opponents.
Usman Nurmagomedov's career
At 28 years old, Usman is considered one of the top names outside of the UFC. Undefeated in his professional career, the fighter has 22 wins, nine by knockout and seven by submission. The Russian recently had a rivalry with Irishman Paul Hughes , defeating him on two occasions.
Watch Usman Nurmagomedov's knockout in the PFL
USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV WITH THE FIRST ROUND KO 😱 #PFLNY | Main Card Live NOW on ESPN pic.twitter.com/mikFN1ZLFx
— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 1, 2026
Meet the key figures who worked with Ali Abdelaziz.
Khabib celebrates UFC victory with Ali. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/AliAbdelaziz
Throughout his career, Ali built one of the most influential agencies in the world of MMA, representing UFC champions and prominent athletes in different weight classes.
The main name associated with his career is Khabib Nurmagomedov . The former UFC lightweight champion ended his career undefeated, with 29 wins in professional MMA, and became one of the greatest phenomena in the history of the sport. His partnership with Ali was fundamental for much of the Russian's time in the octagon.
In addition to Khabib, the businessman was also linked to the careers of Islam Makhachev , the current welterweight champion and one of the leading names in the lightweight division; Kamaru Usman , former welterweight champion; Justin Gaethje , one of the most popular athletes in the category (up to 70,3 kg); and Henry Cejudo , UFC champion in two divisions and Olympic medalist.
The list of athletes represented by Ali also includes Kayla Harrison , UFC champion and two-time Olympic champion, as well as Fabricio Werdum , a jiu-jitsu legend and former heavyweight champion of the world's largest MMA event.
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