Ali Abdelaziz has sparked another heated MMA debate after making a bold prediction about a potential fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Ilia Topuria.
The outspoken manager backed Nurmagomedov to beat Topuria, and the Ali Abdelaziz Topuria take quickly divided fight fans. Some believe Usman’s complete skill set could cause major problems, while others think Topuria’s elite boxing and finishing power would be too much.
Here are five major reactions surrounding the fantasy lightweight showdown.
1. Some Fans Think Topuria Would Punish Usman
One of the strongest reactions circulating around the debate argued that Topuria would dominate Nurmagomedov.
That confidence is understandable. Topuria has built his reputation around sharp boxing, pressure and dangerous finishing ability.
For fans on this side of the argument, Nurmagomedov’s impressive record does not automatically prove he could handle a fighter of Topuria’s caliber.
The criticism centers on one question: Has Usman faced enough opposition at Topuria’s level?
2. Others Believe Usman Is the Real Deal
Not everyone is dismissing Nurmagomedov.
His latest performance only strengthened his case.
Nurmagomedov stopped previously unbeaten Archie Colgan in the first round at PFL New York, producing another statement performance in the lightweight division.
The victory moved his professional record to 22-0 and completed his existing PFL contract.
Following that performance, some MMA fans called for Nurmagomedov to finally test himself against UFC-level competition. One highly upvoted reaction on Reddit simply said, “Please get this guy in the UFC already.”
3. Fans Are Already Debating the Style Matchup
The most interesting part of a potential Topuria-Nurmagomedov fight may be the stylistic contrast.
Topuria brings dangerous boxing, pressure and knockout power. Nurmagomedov offers a more varied attack built around kicks, movement, wrestling and grappling.
That creates several fascinating questions.
Could Topuria close the distance without absorbing too many kicks? Could Nurmagomedov control the fight on the ground? And what happens if Usman is forced into extended boxing exchanges?
Those questions explain why the hypothetical matchup continues to generate attention.
4. Fans Want Usman Tested Against UFC Competition
Another reaction has little to do with Abdelaziz himself.
Some fans simply want evidence.
Nurmagomedov has dominated outside the UFC, but debates about his place among the world’s best lightweights will continue until he faces comparable elite opposition.
Usman himself has already expressed confidence about facing Topuria. After defeating Alfie Davis earlier in 2026, he said the result would have been the same against elite names including Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan.
That confidence makes a future UFC move even more intriguing.
5. UFC Speculation Is Making the Debate Bigger
The timing of Abdelaziz’s comments matters because Nurmagomedov’s career has reached a major crossroads.
After beating Colgan, Usman entered free agency.
UFC CEO Dana White was recently asked about potentially signing the undefeated lightweight. White did not announce a deal, meaning Nurmagomedov’s next destination remains undecided.
That uncertainty has fueled speculation about fights that previously seemed unrealistic.
If Nurmagomedov signs with the UFC, fans could finally see how his skills compare against the promotion’s elite lightweight talent.
Why Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Ilia Topuria Is So Intriguing
This debate goes beyond one prediction from Abdelaziz.
Nurmagomedov has the undefeated record and famous fighting lineage. Topuria has proven himself on MMA’s biggest stage and possesses fight-changing power.
Right now, however, Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Ilia Topuria remains hypothetical. No fight between them has been officially announced.
The Ali Abdelaziz Topuria take has simply added fuel to a matchup MMA fans are increasingly interested in discussing.
If Nurmagomedov’s free agency eventually leads him to the UFC, the argument may no longer be about who would win on paper. Fans could eventually get the chance to find out inside the cage.
Topuria’s rise has already made him one of the most talked-about names in MMA. For more on his recent performances, future opponents and lightweight outlook, check out our Ilia Topuria latest news and fight updates.
FAQs
Who does Ali Abdelaziz favor between Usman and Topuria?
Abdelaziz has publicly backed Usman Nurmagomedov in the hypothetical matchup.
Is Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Ilia Topuria official?
No. There is currently no officially announced fight between Nurmagomedov and Topuria.
What is Usman Nurmagomedov’s record?
Nurmagomedov improved to 22-0 following his first-round victory over Archie Colgan.
Could Usman Nurmagomedov join the UFC?
It’s possible, but not confirmed. His PFL contract concluded following the Colgan fight, and his next move remains a developing story.
Tags: Usman Nurmagomedov, Ilia Topuria, Ali Abdelaziz, UFC, PFL, MMA News, UFC Lightweight, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dana White, MMA
