Coach rules out Topuria and points to possible opponents for Usman Nurmagomedov's UFC debut.

Khabib celebrates Usman's victory in the PFL. Photo: Cooper Neill/Getty Images

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Usman Nurmagomedov hasn't even signed a contract with the UFC yet, but he's already being considered to face elite names in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). After his manager Ali Abdelaziz stated that the Russian prospect is ready to face and defeat Ilia Topuria , coach Javier Mendez assessed possible opponents for the debut of Khabib Nurmagomedov 's cousin in the world's largest MMA organization.

In an interview with Alvaro Colmenero, Mendez dismissed the possibility of an immediate fight against Topuria and pointed to Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett as more likely options to test the Russian fighter in his early UFC career.

“I don’t think they’d put him against Ilia Topuria right away. If he goes to the UFC, I think they might put him against Arman Tsarukyan or Paddy Pimblett …”, said Javier Mendez.

Usman Nurmagomedov's career

Usman Nurmagomedov promotes PFL event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/PFL

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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.

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