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Share on FacebookUndefeated lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov has heavily criticized the UFC's 155-pound division, questioning the competitive standing of its top contenders. In a video interview with Russian media outlet Sport24, he argued that the status of elite UFC fighters is inflated by the organization's public relations efforts while highlighting his own active title defense record.
Nurmagomedov did not hold back when evaluating individual UFC athletes. He dismissed Paddy Pimblett’s elite status by highlighting his loss to a 37-year-old Justin Gaethje. Turning his attention to Ilia Topuria, Nurmagomedov mocked him for praising himself before quitting on his stool in his latest fight against Gaethje. He further targeted Arman Tsarukyan, pointing out Tsarukyan's previous losses to Mateusz Gamrot and Islam Makhachev. Nurmagomedov criticized Tsarukyan for fighting only once a year while claiming to be the best, contrasting it with his own four title defenses executed in a short period of time.
The only fighter to escape his harsh criticism was rising Australian prospect Quillan Salkilld, whom Nurmagomedov praised for his entertaining style and consecutive first-round knockouts. Currently exploring free agency after completing his PFL contract, Nurmagomedov stated that UFC matchups are not necessarily tougher than those in other promotions. He suggested that the UFC's top ten rankings simply consist of the same fighters repeatedly facing each other to maintain their positions.
